Pitching Scenarios

By: Makenzie Schacher

Pitching is a crucial part of softball and baseball. Not only is it all about mindset and positivity, but it also is about skill and trust. In softball, there is no pitch count. This means a softball pitcher can throw as many pitches as they like or as needed. Mechanics are different for a baseball pitcher who uses an overhead motion. This movement is strenuous on the player’s shoulders and elbows, therefore utilizing a pitch count. In softball, however, mechanics differ. Players use a circular rotation and throw underhand to the hitters. This motion is less likely to damage the players’ shoulders and elbow muscles, so they don’t have to worry about a pitch count. 

The basics of pitching are relatively easy to understand. You begin with your dominant foot on the pitching rubber and place your non-dominant foot behind the pitching rubber. You then swing your body back, explode forward, and whip your arm in a circular motion, allowing your hand to let go of the ball at your hip level. However, there are more complex rules than the basics. Your back foot must always drag behind you and never bounce. If it does, this is called crow hopping, an illegal pitch. Once the pitcher is on the rubber and has their hands together, they can not take their hands apart unless they are going to go through with the pitch. It is another illegal pitch if your hands are together on the rubber and come apart before the pitch. Pitchers must always work on mechanics to make sure their pitch is correct and legal.  

Apart from the basics, pitching involves strategy and skill. Many pitches and spots are needed throughout the game to strike the batters out. As a pitcher, I have 4 pitches in my arsenal. The first pitch every pitcher has is a fastball. This is the most straightforward pitch to learn. The fastball goes straight to the strike zone and can be aimed and spotted anywhere. This is a pitch I recommend for beginning a new batter or as a confident pitch. A change-up is a more challenging pitch to learn. You have to change your grip so the pitch slows down. In other words, a change-up is an off-speed pitch. This is used most commonly on a two-strike, no-ball count. A rise ball is slightly more complicated than a fastball and a change-up. You have to spin the ball at your release point as if you were turning a locker lock. This pitch goes straight to the batter and then changes to an upward direction in front of the plate. I use this pitch anytime during the count, but mostly on bunters. Finally, you have a drop ball. A drop ball occurs when a pitch goes straight and drops at the plate. This pitch is used during the same strategy as a rise ball.