Have you ever as a young pitcher really asked yourself what getting to the next level
means ? Well first of all , if you want to pitch in college softball there is a place for
everyone who wants to play the sport . Division 1, 2, 3, NAIA , or Junior College .
Lots of people think they want to , but thinking about it and getting there are two
different subjects . It takes preparation .
1. Working out with a trainer once or twice a week and working on drills a minimum
of 4 times a week .
a. Making sure you work a power line , line of force , or centerline all of the three
can be considered the same thing in my mind .
b. Learning rise ball , screw ball , drop ball , curve ball , and maybe back spin
change up spin techniques .
c. The change up is a must , the knuckle ball , thumb ball , palm ball , change curve ,
change drop , change screw ball. An understanding of all change pitches is
necessary all colleges have different philosophies , what works best!
d. The fast ball , a great pitcher doesn't throw many but you do need to learn good
fastball spin techniques. Two seam and four seam.
e. Drills every practice day , learn them strengthen your snap , and add the spin
with your snap . Work at the pitches you have trouble with but don' t forget about
your bread and butter pitches , they need to get faster and spin better all the time
two.
f. Pitch distance at least once a week , but don't throw your shoulder out.
g. Investigate different pitching styles if your a closer , try the slide , the bump ,
holding the post or so on . You never know what works the best unless you try it !
Even if the trainer you work with says his way is the best , they all think their way is
the best avenue but be smart find it out for yourself. It may be that all he knows
how to teach , his method . Its not about them its about you ! The best pitchers have
good trainers but hard work is what makes a star . For a trainer money should never
be an issue , but they have to make a living to.
h. Work out all year and don' t be a multi sport player a great pitcher needs a life ,
needs to work on grades , and needs spare time for themselves to , life is short .
i. Sat scores take them as soon as possible don't wait , start taking the sat test
softmore year , then take them as many times as you can each year . See Sat form
on Rising Stars bottom of page , it will give your web page to register and dates for
2006 when test can be taken . Shoot for the Moon!
j. Weight training , be very careful not to pull muscles it will put you out of
commission. Know what is good for your body crunches and pull ups weighted ball
exercises. Nothing over your head your shoulders are your best friends take care of
them . Weighted balls ...Make sure you don't damage shoulder parts .
The day before big games run 1 maybe 2 miles and or sprints. Bring up heart rate ,
take it back down . Dream about strike outs and they will happen . A pitchers first
job is to strike out every batter, then get a ground ball, and keep the ball in the park
by all means.
If you now play 18 and under A softball its a start . Pitching at speeds of 56 to 59 to
60 will make you successful . Some girls have the talent to pitch at these speeds
with natural ability . And some of their fathers get tapes and work with them which
is a good thing , but dads and moms tell you to do the dishes and make the beds ,
homework etc etc etc. And sometimes kids get tired of hearing their voices! Get a
good trainer who always wants more speed , more movement more out of his
students thinking they are never good enough .
And most of all get on a team where you will be pitching from 43 ft . Playing 2 to 3
years at the gold division will make your soft ball career .
College softball is a different level of play. If you were a strike out pitcher in High
School or even travel ball, especially from 40 feet, college softball is so much
tougher. The mental game comes into hand. One needs to build confidence in order
to be successful. Getting hit by better hitters can be mentally draining, so be
prepared for it.
Chew 4/25/07
The best is yet to come!