How to Pitch a Fast Pitch Softball

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Stand on the mound with both feet.

   Stand on your toes with your left foot and keep your right foot flat.
   
   Keep the softball in your throwing hand.
   
   Preferably grip the softball with a four-seam grip, but to begin with go with what is comfortable. , If you are naturally right handed, hold the ball in your right hand with your index, middle, ring, and little fingers on a straight seam, while your thumb grips the straight seam on the opposite side of the ball.
   
   Try to allow some space between your palm and the ball. , Your hips should be square to home plate. ,, This is the beginning momentum for your pitch. ,, Simultaneously with your foot movements, keep your arms straight and bring both of your arms up in front of you.
   
   The left gloved hand stops at about eye level and the ball hand continues its circle up until it is extended toward the sky. ,, Your right arm should cross in front of your "open" hips. ,, Your body should be square toward the plate again.
   
   Do not close your hips before you release the ball. ,,
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   Step 2: Grip the ball.

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   Step 3: Place your feet on the pitching mound with the ball of your right foot on the front edge (nearest home plate) and the ball of your left foot on the back edge.

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   Step 4: Shift your weight back onto your left foot while bringing your gloved left hand and your ball-hand together and up toward your face.

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   Step 5: In one smooth motion

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   Step 6: extend your right arm down past your hip and bring your left arm in to your chest while placing your weight onto your right foot.

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   Step 7: Kick your left foot forward and push off the rubber with your right foot.

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   Step 8: Pivot or "open" your hips so that your left side is facing home plate and your front is facing third base.

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   Step 9: Cock your right wrist back.

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    Step 10: Bring both arms down quickly at the same time.

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    Step 11: Snap your wrist forward

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    Step 12: releasing the ball at the same time that the glove hand reaches your side.

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    Step 13: After the snap

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    Step 14: drag your right foot forward to your left(don't lift your foot off of the ground or it could be considered an illegal pitch)

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    Step 15: "closing" your hips.

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    Step 16: Follow through with your right arm bringing it forward and bending it at the elbow so that your elbow points toward home plate.

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    Step 17: End your pitch so that your knees are bent and your glove is ready to field the ball in the event it is hit.

Detailed Guide

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