Softball pitchers have gotten a lot better over the years, but there is still room for improvement. Softball pitchers can make an enormous difference in the outcome of a game by increasing their pitching speed.
You must always look for an edge, whether you are a softball pitcher or coach. Pitching speed is one of the most essential tools a pitcher has.
It can be the difference between getting hit hard and striking out batters. This article will teach you how to increase your pitching speed and make an impact on the field.
How to Increase Softball Pitching Speed
If you want to increase your softball pitching speed, you can do a few things.
Focus on your mechanics and make sure you’re using the proper technique; work on increasing your arm strength through weightlifting and other exercises, and make sure you’re regularly practicing so you can keep your pitching speed up.
If so, you can do a few things to help yourself out.
Drink Water
Make sure that you are staying properly hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, is essential to keep your body temperature down and avoid becoming dehydrated.
O2COOL Mist 'N Sip Misting Water Bottle
- 2-IN-1 FUNCTION : Mist 'N Sip bottle offers a unique 2-in-1 function. Perfect for bicycling, sports and other outdoor activities, The misting bottle provides you with a high flow rate of water and a fine mist to cool you down.
- HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION : Our easy grip sports bottles are made utilizing low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic, the Mist ‘N Sip is lightweight, without sacrificing its strength or durability. Food-safe, BPA, bps and phthalate free to ensure a safe drinking experience.
- KEEPS WATER COOLER, LONGER : Perfect for hot days, this hydration bottle boasts a double-wall insulation that keeps cold water for longer periods of time. In fact, this construction eliminates sweating and keeps beverages cold for up to 50% longer!
Warm up properly
Warm up properly before each pitching session. A good warm-up will help loosen your muscles and prepare them for the rigors of pitching.
Exercise Properly
Use weight training exercises to build your arms and leg muscles. Stronger muscles will help you generate more power when pitching.
Practice and Focus
Practice regularly and focus on perfecting your technique. The more you pitch, the better you will become at throwing with speed and accuracy. Refine your mechanics to use your body efficiently when you throw.
GoSports 7'x7' Baseball Practice Hitting & Pitching Net
- ULTIMATE TRAINING AID: Perfect for players of all abilities for batting practice, pitching, fielding, catching, and backstop use spend less time chasing balls and more time honing skills!
- FOLDABLE SETUP: Bow type frame included, sets up in 90 seconds to huge 7-foot x 7-foot size with metal stakes to anchor the net, making it incredibly sturdy and stable; easily breaks down for transport in carry bag
- BONUS STRIKE ZONE ATTACHMENT: Includes bonus strike zone target for pitching drills to develop command on the mound
- STAKES INCLUDED: Includes metal stakes to secure the net to grass or dirt infield and carrying bag to keep everything organized
Increase Health Condition
Work on your conditioning and overall strength. This will help you generate more power when you pitch.
Use Weight Balls
Use weighted balls in your training to help increase the speed of your pitches. That will help you build arm strength and increase your pitches speed.
Smooth Delivery
Work on your mechanics and ensure a smooth delivery. A consistent release point will go a long way in increasing your pitching speed.
Increase Arm Strength
Increase your arm strength with a throwing program. This will help you add velocity to your pitches.
Control and Accuracy
Focus on your control and accuracy when pitching live batters. Once you can consistently throw strikes at high speeds, you’ll be able to blow by hitters with ease.
Softball Pitching Speed by Age
One of the most common questions asked by softball coaches is, “What is the average pitching speed by age?” You can find the answer by looking at the data from various sources, including the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and USA Softball. Based on this data, the average pitching speeds for different age groups are as follows:
- 10U – 34-42 mph
- 12U – 44-50 mph
- 14U – 49-54 mph
- 16U/18U – 53-57 mph
- College/Pro – 59/64
While these ranges represent the averages, it is essential to remember that there will always be some variation from one pitcher to the next. For example, a 12-year-old pitcher who throws 35 mph may have just as much success as a 14-year-old who throws 45 mph.
Ultimately, it is more important for pitchers to focus on developing good technique and control rather than worrying about how fast they throw.
Fastest Softball Pitching Speed
The fastest softball pitching speed recorded is 77 miles per hour, 129 km/h. Monica Abbott of the University of Tennessee 2007 achieved this. In 2008, Jennie Finch set the world record for the fastest softball pitch with a speed of 70 miles per hour.
Softball Pitching Drills for Accuracy
Pitching drills are a vital part of any softball player’s training regimen. One of the most important aspects of pitching is accuracy, and a few fundamental drills can help you improve in this area.
- First, set up a row of cones or markers at various distances from the home plate. Start throwing from the closest distance, and work your way back until you can consistently hit each cone.
- Another great drill is the partner drill. Have a partner stand behind you and call out where they want you to pitch the ball – inside, outside, high, or low. As you get better at this drill, increase the number of calls your partner makes so that you have to think on your feet more.
- Finally, make sure to practice with different types of pitches – not just fastballs. Changeups, curveballs, and other off-speed pitches will keep hitters guessing and ultimately lead to more strikeouts.
Mastering different pitches take time and repetition, so keep going even if it doesn’t happen overnight. You’ll be an accurate pitcher with hard work and dedication in no time!
Softball Pitching Velocity Program
For a softball pitcher, having a strong pitching velocity is important. But what’s the best way to increase your velocity? That’s where the Softball Pitching Velocity Program comes in.
Many programs are designed to help pitchers of all ages and skill levels increase their velocity. The program should include 8 weeks of training, with 4 sessions per week. Each session focuses on different aspects of pitching, such as arm care, leg drive, and body mechanics.
The Softball Pitching Velocity Program is offered both in-person and online so that you can choose the best option. And if you’re not satisfied with the results after completing the program, you can get a full refund – no questions asked.
Softball Pitcher Losing Velocity
Velocity is an important part of pitching, and when it starts to decline, it can feel like your whole game is falling apart. As a softball pitcher, losing velocity can be one of the most frustrating things. There are a few different reasons why velocity might start to decline.
- One possibility is that you’re throwing harder than you used to. That could be due to fatigue or lack of focus during your pitching sessions.
- Another possibility is that your mechanics have changed somehow, and you can no longer generate the same kind of power behind your pitches.
- If your velocity decline is likely due to fatigue, then the best thing you can do is ensure you’re getting enough rest between pitching appearances. You can also cut back on your bullpen sessions or practice throws so you don’t overwork yourself.
- If mechanical changes are the issue, it’s time for a trip to see your coach or pitching instructor.
They’ll be able to help you identify any problems with your delivery and get you back on track. No matter what the cause of your velocity loss is, it’s essential to stay positive and keep working hard.
Remember, even the best pitchers go through rough patches where their stuff isn’t as good as it usually is. If you keep putting in the effort, eventually, things will turn around, and you’ll start seeing results again.
Softball Pitching Speed Killers
When it comes to softball pitching, there are a few speed killers that can really ruin your game. These speed killers can creep up on you and sabotage your hard work if you’re not careful. Here are four of the most common speed killers in softball pitching:
Inconsistent release point
If your release point is all over the place, it will be tough to throw strikes consistently. Make sure you focus on finding a consistent release point before anything else.
Lack of arm speed
Arm speed is crucial for generating velocity on your pitches. If you don’t have enough arm speed, your pitches will lack zip and will be easier for hitters to square up.
Poor mechanics
Poor mechanics are another big reason pitchers lose velocity on their pitches. Ensure you use proper technique and stay within your comfort zone when pitching. Otherwise, you’ll see a drop in velocity (and accuracy).
Fatigue
Fatigue can also lead to a loss of velocity on your pitches. It’s essential to listen to your body and take breaks when needed so that you don’t wear yourself out too much mentally or physically.
FAQ
How Fast Should a 14 Year Old Softball Pitcher Pitch?
A 14-year-old softball pitcher should pitch at a speed of around 60 miles per hour. This is the average speed for this age group, but some pitchers may be able to throw slightly faster or slower.
It is important to find a comfortable pitching speed that you can control without putting too much strain on your arm. If you are consistently throwing at speeds over 60 miles per hour, you may want to consider backing off a bit to avoid injury.
How Can I Make My Pitcher Faster?
There are a few things you can do to make your pitcher faster.
1. Work on your mechanics and ensure you use your lower body correctly when you pitch.
2. Increase your leg strength with exercises like squats and lunges.
3. Add some plyometric exercises to your training routine. These will help improve your power and explosiveness.
4. Ensure you’re staying hydrated and eating properly before and after pitching sessions.
5. Get plenty of rest between pitching sessions to allow your body to recover properly.
How Fast Should a 12 Year Old Softball Pitcher Pitch?
A 12-year-old softball pitcher should pitch at speeds of around 42-46 miles per hour. However, some pitchers can throw up to 50 miles per hour. Young pitchers need to focus on accuracy and control rather than speed.
Conclusion
As a pitcher, you should focus on improving your leg drive. This will help you generate more power from your lower body, which will, in turn, help you throw the ball harder.
Also, work on refining your mechanics. Ensure you’re using proper technique when throwing the ball – this will also help you add velocity.
Finally, don’t be afraid to do extra work on strength and conditioning. Building up your arm and core strength will help you pitch with more power and stamina throughout the game. Implement these tips and see how quickly you can start throwing the ball.
