When pitchers begin pitching, they are taught the fastball and a change-up. The purpose of the Fastball is so that pitchers can develop the correct pitching mechanics. It also serves as the foundation so pitchers can develop movement pitches as they gain experience. Movement pitches in softball travel vertically and horizontally. Below is a list of “true” or already established movement pitches that travel north, south, east or west.
- Rise
- Drop
- Screw
- Curve
The direction of east and west pitches change based on which hand the pitcher throws with. A right-handed pitcher’s screw will come into a right-handed batter and the curve will move away. It’s the opposite for a left-handed pitcher, the curve will move in on a right-handed batter whereas the screwball will move away.
How do pitchers learn a new pitch? First, they need to be ready. If a pitcher can’t hit 10/10 Fastball spots on the inside and outside corner, they probably aren’t ready. If they can’t find the strike zone at all, keep their focus on the Fastball mechanics and a change-up.
The most important piece to learning a new pitch is mastering the correct body mechanics. Every single movement pitch in the list above is going to have different body and hand positioning. I would highly suggest connecting with a pitching instructor or watching YouTube videos on the breakdown of different movement pitches. ALWAYS start with spins. How would you know if you are getting your hand into the correct position for a curve ball if you throw it fully from a mound without practicing it?
An easy and reliable tool to use when developing movement pitches in softball is the Spinner. The Spinner is a flat disk with seams around the edges to replicate a real softball. The Spinner is the same size as the middle of the softball so if used correctly, the Spinner simulates the ball. The Spinner is a great tool for teaching pitchers proper hand placement, wrist movement, and it shows evidence of correct and incorrect spin. If a pitcher can’t get the correct spin while using the Spinner, they are not going to get the correct spin while using the ball.
Once a pitcher is able to master the correct spin while using the Spinner, they are then ready to tackle the spins with a lined ball. Again, don’t just throw full from the mound, really take the time to break the new pitch down. What’s the rush? It takes months and sometimes years to master movement pitches. If you don’t feel like purchasing a Spinner, use a hockey puck or a big roll of tape. Spinners are a great tool and speed up the pitch development process if used correctly. Spins are tedious, but if done correctly, they will benefit the pitcher and the new movement pitch in the long run.
