Core Training

Pitching Pointers: Throwing to Spots

There are multiple ways that softball pitchers can successfully throw to spots. For those unfamiliar, there are five spots pitchers can throw to. These spots include the low inside corner, the high inside corner, the low outside corner, the high outside corner, and right down the middle. As pitchers get older, it is suggested to avoid throwing down the middle of the plate and focus on the other four spots to get the batter out. It is also encouraged that beginner, and younger pitchers focus solely on throwing strikes down the middle of the plate and master mechanics before attempting spots.

Before talking about the four corners, let’s revisit how to throw a strike down the middle of the plate. The Powerline is an imaginary line that runs from the center of the pitching mound and extends all the way to the middle of home plate. For a pitcher to deliver a strike down the middle, a few different things need to happen. First, the pitcher must go into her pitch and attempt to step on and line her toes up on the Powerline. While the pitcher is in mid-pitch, she should also try to keep the ball lined up on the line as well. If the pitcher can find her release point by her back hip, keep her toes and the ball lined up on the line, her chances of throwing a strike right down the middle are very likely.

The concept of the Powerline is extremely important when it comes to a pitcher throwing strikes. The Powerline is also something a pitcher should focus on when throwing to spots. How many Powerlines are there? Three is the magic number. There is a Powerline that runs from the center of the pitcher’s mound to the middle of home plate, one that runs to the inside corner of the plate, and one that runs to the outside corner. The tricky part about throwing to the inside and outside corner Powerlines is that they are slightly diagonal- which can make it harder for the pitcher to step on and line the toes up consistently.

Below is an easy three step process for pitchers who practice throwing to spots can follow.

  1. Find a focal point – Pick something on the catcher or the plate that you are going to focus on while you are delivering your pitch. The most common focal point is the catcher’s glove for the low inside and outside corners. If a catcher doesn’t hold her glove up for the high spots, the top of the catcher’s head or just above her shoulder is recommended.
  2. Step Towards the Focal Point – This step is crucial because it will get the pitcher lined up on the new Powerline. The foot that lands on the line is considered to be the lead foot, and if that foot is in line, it increases the chance that the body and the pitch will follow suit.
  3. Keep everything lined up – It is important to keep everything lined up on the new Powerline. If the arm is away from the body, or the glove hand flies away, the pitch will not be delivered on the Powerline. Good mechanics lead to executed spots.
  4. Find the release point – When it comes to throwing the pitch to different heights, the key is finding the correct release point and being consistent with it. For a pitcher to consistently hit the low inside and low outside spots, the release point should be on the pitcher’s back hip. Hitting the high inside and high outside spots can be more difficult because the release point for those pitches is going to be more towards the front hip.

It takes time, practice, and consistent reps for pitchers to master spots. Accuracy and being able to hit spots is what sets some pitchers apart from others. Pitchers who can hit spots can and will be successful at every level in the sport of softball. Speed is something that comes over time as pitchers grow and develop body control. Start with mastering spots, it will benefit the pitcher in the long run, and it will be easier to learn spots first and then tap into speed second, once the pitcher is ready.

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