One of the most renowned sports played in United States is the game of slow pitch softball. Since the game requires slow pitching, a baller cannot generate sufficient movement. However if the ball is thrown using the right technique, a baller can restrict the batter from hitting large shots especially homeruns.
There are a few pitching procedures that you must remember before using any of the techniques listed below. You need to take care of the grip, initial position and arc. The greater the arc, the harder it will be for a batter to hit longer shots. Moreover the grip you have on your ball will determine the type of techniques you will be using.
Your initial position in the strike zone helps you in deciding how deep or short you ball will land. You can reduce the distance of your ball by throwing a higher delivery whereas you can send in your ball deeper letting go of the ball a little early.
As the name suggests, slow pitch basically focuses on slower movements of the ball. 3 techniques can be used in order to generate an ideal pitch.
Straight pitch
This is the simplest pitching technique that requires no action. Your hand should be placed such that the top part of the ball has your index and middle finger while your thumb is located at its bottom. You should remember to keep your index and middle fingers in contact with each other that is side by side. If not, the ball will go in a different direction.
While pitching your hand should be such that the thumb is on the top and is directing towards the home plate. You can adjust your speed in order to determine the height of your throw. Although the method is same for both left and right handed ballers, yet the distance between your index and middle fingers can make a difference. The ball of a right handed baller can go to the right direction and to the left for a left handed baller.
Slider pitch
The 2nd pitch that is the slider pitch involves a bit of curving at the end when the ball reaches the batter. The positioning of your thumb is a little different from straight pitch. Index and middle fingers should be at the same position but now you should place your thumb a little closer to your fingers that is on the side of the ball.
If you aim at getting a steady throw then you should hold the ball tightly and the curled fingers should be firm and close to the ball as well.
Lastly, while throwing the ball again bring the thumb to the top and do not make any other movement. For right-handed and left-handed ballers, the ball will curve off in the opposite direction.
Curve Pitch
If you are a right handed baller and you are using curve pitch then your ball will curve in the right direction as well. The technique you are going to use will be the same as for a straight simple pitch. The only difference arises in the placement of your middle finger. Left-handers need to rest their middle finger on the left seam for a bit longer. This action will generate curve in the left direction.
Opposite is true for right-handed ballers. They should put their middle finger on the right seam which will produce a rightward curve. You should remember that it is not mandatory to use only 3 of these techniques. Other than these 3 techniques, you can also use your own techniques that worked out for you.
Developing a technique requires your focus, determination and most importantly practice. Only tested techniques can prove useful in the long-run. Experimentation is always good.
The technique you want to use is determined by the hitter who is up against you. For instance, if the hitter changes the direction of the swing at the last minute then you might want to use the slider pitch to upset the player.
Lastly, we would like to recommend all the ballers out there to have confidence and faith in themselves in order to throw their best balls and surprise their opponents!