| Softball pitching is one of the most important roles | | | | Doing Breaking Pitches At the Wrong Time |
| that need to be learn if you want to be an elite | | | | In order to be able to pitch drop balls, curve balls and |
| softball player. It takes time and practice to be able | | | | other difficult pitches, you must have a developed |
| to develop great pitching skills and if you are a | | | | and adept bone structure, specifically at the wrist. |
| softball pitcher, you, along with the catcher at the | | | | You need to have a tough, taut wrist snap so, that |
| home plate, determine greatly the outcome of the | | | | you can cause the ball to spin fast. Unfortunately, |
| game as you both communicate what pitches to | | | | young softball pitchers do not have a developed |
| throw in order to prevent the opposing team of | | | | bone and muscle structure yet and so, they are not |
| players from hitting the ball with the bat. | | | | capable yet in performing a tough wrist snap. So, if |
| There are cases where even the most seasoned | | | | you are a softball coach, remember not to force |
| softball pitchers, who have years and years of | | | | young players to practice breaking pitches at this |
| experience, use incorrect pitching mechanics, | | | | time as they would not be able to do it in an |
| especially when they were taught to do so. And due | | | | effective manner. |
| to the wrong pitching mechanics that they employ, | | | | Doing the Chicken Wing |
| they can develop many softball pitching-related | | | | Chicken wing is what we call the elbow of the pitcher |
| injuries that can either stop them from playing | | | | when she allows it to fly when she does a pitching |
| softball for a while or even end their softball careers | | | | maneuver. This can cause a softball pitcher to have |
| altogether. | | | | elbow and shoulder injuries since this should not be a |
| Here are five of the most common softball-pitching | | | | component of the pitch or even the follow through. |
| mechanics that you must need to stay away from if | | | | Aside from the injuries, chicken winging can cause |
| you want to continue playing the game that you love | | | | you as the softball pitcher to have improper control |
| and prevent injuries. | | | | on pitching. Usually, if you utilize pitching methods like |
| Overuse | | | | the snapover, then, you have the tendency to have |
| More often than not, when you throw the softball | | | | your shoulder and elbows look like a chicken wing |
| over and over again using the wrong pitching | | | | when you release the ball. To avoid this, you must |
| mechanics, you can get injured, specifically on the | | | | have your elbow curled tightly on your side and your |
| shoulder and rotating cuffs of your body. For | | | | forearm and wrist should only be the ones that you |
| instance, if you often pitch the rollover drop ball, it is | | | | use when you snap the ball. |
| highly likely that you would have an overuse injury. | | | | Tugging the Head and Shoulders Backwards When |
| Up to now, there is no clear idea as to the number | | | | Releasing the Pitch |
| of pitches that you as a softball pitcher would only | | | | There are some softball pitchers who tug their |
| pitch to avoid injuries but you must be able to | | | | bodies as their arm releases the ball. Even if whipping |
| exercise some restraint and get proper rest in | | | | your arm at this stage is necessary in order for your |
| between innings. | | | | pitch to achieve optimal speed, you should never |
| Inadequate Warm Up and Stretching | | | | ever snap your head, neck and upper back. When |
| When the day of the softball tournament comes, | | | | you consistently do a jerking motion when you |
| majority of the athletes do not take pre-game warm | | | | release your pitches, it is highly likely that you would |
| up seriously and so, they often rush through this | | | | have back or neck injuries. |
| activity. For softball pitchers, it is important that they | | | | Be sure to avoid incorrect softball pitching mechanics |
| perform warm-up exercises such as jogging, throwing | | | | listed above so, that you would be able to prevent |
| and other dynamic exercises before they even go to | | | | yourself from developing pitching-related injuries and |
| the pitching mound. They must ensure that their | | | | have a long, successful softball career. |
| muscles are lose and limber before they pitch the ball. | | | | |