FOUR steps to Great Pitching Mechanics

1. BEFORE WATCHING Power Point please make sure you watch it as a slide show to see the video in the end of the slide. Thank You!

2. FOUR steps to Great Pitching Mechanics What is the key to have good pitching mechanics?

3. 4 Steps to Great Pitching • Windmill methods: The pitcher's arm starts in front of her body, winds back, completes a full circle, releases the ball at the hip, and then follows through.The windmill is more than just an arm motion, however; it requires a long stride that utilizes the legs and torso to generate more power. Both speed and the shift of weight play an important part in executing the windmill effectively, so pitchers should practice the motion to develop a comfortable rhythm. Maximum velocity and accuracy will only occur if all of the movements are in sync.

4. continue... 2. The Fundamentals: Grip In fastpitch softball pitching, the grip on the ball depends on the type of pitch being thrown. How the pitcher holds the ball will direct the rotation of the ball and the way the wind interacts with the seams, which will in turn determine how fast the ball travels. For example, to throw a four-seam fastball, the pitcher will hold the ball so the laces form a letter "C," then place her fingers across the "C." For a two-seam fastball, the pitcher will hold the ball so the laces form a "U." Her pointer and ring fingers will each rest along a seam and the middle finger will go in between the seams.With either delivery, the middle three fingers will be on top of the ball, with the pinkie tucked underneath and the thumb on the side of the ball. The ball should be held securely in the fingers, not against the palm of the hand.

5. Continue... 3. The Fundamentals: Stance Begin by holding the ball in her glove and standing up straight at the pitcher's mound. Her lead foot, or throwing-side foot, should be on the rubber with the toes extended over the front edge. The rear foot toes should touch the back of the rubber. Her front leg should be straight while the back leg is slightly bent, and the feet should be just a little closer than shoulder-width apart. The pitcher should square her shoulders toward home plate, keeping her weight on the balls of her feet.

6. continue... 4. Completing the Pitch In order to properly execute the pitch, the pitcher needs to develop her wind-up, stride, arm movement, and follow-through. Once she is comfortable with her grip and stance, continue the pitching lesson by introducing the pitching motion. Players often become overwhelmed at first, but by starting with the basics, coaches can guarantee understanding before moving on to developing more advanced skills, like an effective change-up.

7. As you can see it is very important to be able to develop this four fundamentals in pitching a softball. It is very important to stay close to your body at all times. Also, very important to follow this four steps to become a good pitcher. In the next slide there is an example how to stay close with your body while you pitch.

8. Here is a video of Jennie Finch in slow motion of an example in how to use all your legs. For example, dragging your foot and having a strong finish through.

9. Jennie Finch Video Explanation • As you can see Jennie Finch demonstrates that she has a strong finish through. Both of her feet are down the whole time. She never hops. Also, She makes sure that her back foot is dragging. She never opens her hips, Finch always keeps them close and her arm is close to her body.