The following are some brief descriptions about different drills to increase speed.
Strength Throwing Running Pitching Quick Pitching Hip Pop Drill Speed Pitching Open to Close Drill Up Close Pitching Weighted Ball Pitching
Strength Throwing:
Strength Throwing is basically distance pitching, Pitching from a distance. Start at about 32 ft. away on your knees. Pitch the ball with out using your legs. Pitch three balls that get to your target in the air, and then take three steps back. Repeat this process until you can't get three there in the air. When that happens, stand up and pitch with out stepping but trying to use your whole body. Pitch three that get there in the air and then take three steps back, repeat this process until you can't get three there in the air. When that happens start stepping, doing your entire pitch. Throw three that get there in the air and then take three steps back, repeat until you can't get the ball there in the air. When that happens do 20 more, trying the entire time to use your whole body and put as much effort into every pitch.
Quick Pitching:
This drill is a great way to increase arm speed and stamina. There are two different ways to do this drill, either stand at about 10 ft. away from a plastic or cement wall, (a wall that will cause the ball to bounce back quickly) in this situation you pitch as quick as you can into the wall and then quickly field the ball and then pitch it again as fast as you can. If you do not have a wall that will allow the ball to bounce back then you can pitch with a bucket of balls. When you do this drill, pitch as quick as you can and then quickly grab another ball from the bucket and pitch again. In Quick Pitching you must pitch for about 1 min. with out stopping then take a short break and then do it again. You should do this drill about 4 times.
Speed Pitching:
This drill is exactly the same as quick pitching with one main difference, you do not do a motion or take a step, you just pitch with your arm as fast as you possible can, putting everything you have into every pitch. You will also have a partner toss the balls to you and you must complete 10 balls in 10 sec. or you must do it again.
Up Close Pitching:
This drill is done at a close distance with a bucket and a partner and a stop watch. Stand at about 5 ft. away from a wall. Have the bucket of balls right next you and your partner should have the stop watch. During this drill you will do your motion but you will not step. When your partner starts the stop watch you must pitch with out stopping for a certain amount of time. Beginners should do 2-3 min. 1-2 year pitchers should do 4-5 min. and Advanced pitchers should do 5-6 min. Your partner should watch the stop watch but should also be picking up balls and placing them back in the bucket to make sure that you never run out of balls during your time. This can be very hard so do not over do it.
Running Pitching:
You will take two running steps and then immediately pitch, it takes some getting use to for coordination but this drill will help you have a larger stride and a quicker explosion speed. For Example: A right handed pitcher should take their first step with their right foot then their left and as they start to step with the right foot again they should begin the circle of their pitch which will then cause them to stride with their left foot and finish the pitch.
Hip Pop Drill:
Stand with your feet shoulder width a part facing your catcher, do not move your feet. Take your arm in it's pitch circle and as it reaches it's highest point in the circle, turn your hips to a 90 degree angle then as your arm comes down to finish the circle, pop your hips back to face the catcher. This will help a pitcher learn how to use their hips in pitching which is key in increasing speed.
Open to Close Drill:
This is similar to the hip pop drill only this time right handers should stand with their left foot more forward then their right and their feet should be spread out. The reverse is true for left handers. Take your arm to the top of its circle and as you do this turn to the 90 degree angle and as you go to pop your hips back to face the catcher bring your arm through along with your foot and close off your body so your feet are now next to one another.
Weighted Ball Pitching:
You can do several different forms of pitching with a weighted ball, but my favorite is to mix it in with your other pitches. Do 10 pitches with a regular ball and then 10 with a weighted ball, then 5 with a regular ball and 5 with a weighted ball, then 1 with a regular ball and then 1 with a weighted ball, repeat the 1 and 1 until you do 20 total, then repeat the process again. If your not tired after doing this, then your not doing it right.
**You are more then welcome to use this information, reprint it or place it in an article, we simply ask that you let us know of where you would like to use it and then credit our site by stating: Information provided by Candice Einspahr of SoftballLessons.com
**You are more then welcome to use this information, reprint it or place it in an article, we simply ask that you let us know where you would like to use it and then credit our site by stating: Information provided by Candice Einspahr of SoftballLessons.com
