Just watched your video on mechanics. Pitched my first slow pitch softball game went the whole seven inningsDid not give up one walk and we won 8 to 4. I never pitched before in my life your videos helped thanks
Used the 4 seam grip, focused on backspin. Didn't get the calls for some corner strikes, but still able to get batters to swing at the breaking ball. Even after walking a batter, I remained focused on the grip and made it a point to keep my thumb on the bottom. This worked, got the 12-3 win. Thank you!
Awesome John! Only 3 runs given up, wow. That is definitely a quality outing. I love the way you're looking at your game in detail, calls on the corners, walked batters, focus on grip, thumb on bottom. This is the kind of honest self-analysis that will help you get better and make you a great pitcher. Keep it up and keep in touch!
I appreciate your comment! Since you're already a pitcher, you should have no trouble switching over. Pitching is pitching after all - get the batter out.
Great video. Any tips to increase distance when putting so much effort into the spin? I have to take two steps and really whip my right hip to get any good velocity toward the plate.
Sure, that will take a little time with practice. In Video 3 "Strength Training and Practice Drills" I'll show you a couple of workouts to help with your overall power. It's a good sign that you're struggling with distance now... that means more energy is going into the rotation and that's what you want.
I already throw backhanded. But, I generally use 3 fingers instead of 2. Do you think that the same principles apply if I put the index and ring fingers wide by the seams and float the middle finger?
i like how you get into a good fielding position after each pitch... even practice pitches... i wish you would talk about it more since this is a dangerous position... especially these days with hot bats and balls... and i find that i get more hits up the middle on movement pitches just because it makes it tougher for the hitter to do what they want to do... plus when they bleed out over the middle of the plate... i'd even suggest reflex drills...glove speed is everything... great videos ace... i'm loving them... i've even decided to try your screwball since i haven't been able to develop a good forehand one... there is one guy at the sportsplex i play at that has developed a forehand screwball and i plan on getting with him soon to work on it as well... i'm holding a clinic sometime in the next 3 weeks and i plan on giving everyone your link... it's the first thing on here about pitching that's this in-depth...
Thanks for the props, Willy! I agree that pitching is a dangerous position. I know of guys who have been seriously hurt and even killed by a batted ball. It's rare, but it happens. Many municipal leagues are making the pitching safety screen mandatory. Our league just instituted a semi-voluntary rule that mandates the use of a pitching screen for both teams if only one team requests it. It's the first time I've ever pitch behind a screen, but I'm getting used to it. I haven't requested it, but our opponent has, in a couple of games. The main thing I don't like about it is the limitation it puts on you to pitch from both sides of the rubber. By rule, it must shield at least 50% of the rubber so you can't pitch from the 1st base side of the rubber if you're right-handed. The first base side is my preferred side from which to pitch when I'm throwing the slider inside on a lefty. Oh well, gotta go with the flow. Good luck with your clinic. I hope you have a good turnout!
This is more of a question: I have relatively small hands; I’m not sure that stretching the first two fingers will achieve your recommended position on a 12” softball. I can do this with the index and ring fingers... I would appreciate your comments. Great videos on a unique topic.
Great point! I don't see why gripping with index and ring fingers wouldn't work. I've never tried it myself. Just be careful that the ball doesn't touch or roll off your middle finger as I think this would dampen your ball rotation speed. The other point I would make is that to get good rotation any slip between your fingers and the ball should be eliminated and this is only possible with a tight, 3 point grip. As long as you can account for these two issues, it should work fine. Let me know how it works for you and I may start teaching it as an alternative grip. Thanks!
My team has me pitching and it's the 1st time in 40 years of softball that I'm doing this. I'm averaging less than 1 walk/game, so I'm doing OK. Your videos helped me get the the mechanics down before ever stepping into the field. Thank you! 2 questions on the basic/backspin slow pitch: 1) The release of my pitch seems higher than yours. I'm striving to get good arc on it. Could I be throwing it better with a lower release? 2) My delivery arm speed is slow and then I try to flick the ball (faster than my arm is moving) upon release to create the backspin. Correct or should my arm move faster in conjunction with a lower release like you show in your demonstration? O'D
O'D. You should pitch with as much arm speed as you can control. Faster arm = more back spin. When you do, your release must be lower to keep the ball down. My release is just at my knee to keep the arc below 10-12 feet. Glad you're doing well! Keep up the good work.
Thanks for putting out the videos , it helps pitchers of all levels and experience . I have been pitching for quite a few years and use my experience as a fast pitchpitcher in slow pitch . I use the back spin as my primary pitch but also use hand under curve and drop at times . The knuckle ball is also in my arsenal . Your instruction has been very helpful. I was wondering if you play FHC that we might cross paths . I play in the 65 +age bracket , Thanks Dave J
@@davidjoseph7273 I could play 60+ and I've played a few senior league games but as long as I'm competitive playing with the young guys I prefer playing there. The way things are going now with the Wuhan Flu, who knows how things will go for a while.
I pitched against the young guys about 5 years ago b/4 the pitching screens were used. I know play in the 50+ rec league and I run a 65+ team with FHC . The 50+ definitely keeps your game sharper , both pitching and hitting. Ill get a video to you with me pitching. Thanks again for doing this for pitching.
Hey WN Ace, I have smaller hands. In your hand, is your Thumb directly under your Pointer Finger? Im trying to really understand if I can pitch this was with small hands not covering alot of grip area to make sure i can get the spin out of my hands.
Is there an advantage or preference as to using your style of release, where the ball is flipped upwards upon release from underneath your hand, as opposed to regular underhand pitching where the ball is cradled in the hand with the palm facing up when released? Or do you pitch using both styles?
Gary, I do believe there is an advantage to pitching palm-down with backspin. I explain this in detail in this video: ruclips.net/video/EgzYL5K1cYs/видео.html Let me know if you have any questions after watching it. Thanks!
Thanks for the quick reply and for all of the great training videos. I have been pitching slowpitch for several years, but have always used the basic underhand approach. I have tried your way on a few occasions when practicing, but it is a totally different approach for me. Especially for getting the ball to the plate (am always throwing short), or maintaining control of the pitch. I will check out your link. Always hard at first to change something that you've been used to doing for a long time!!!@@utah32804
Hey Chris, you're doing pretty good if you've only been pitching for a year and already have 3 pitches. I throw 4 pitches but use only 2 about 80% of the time (working on a fifth right now). For me its not so much how many pitches I have but how well I command those pitches. If I'm struggling with any particular pitch in a game, I'll just put it aside and stay with the one or two I can really put on the spot. Then later I'll address the problem in my work out. This is the normal course of progress, you think you have it figured out and then the wheels come off so you go back and work on it again. The key is not to look at your progress in the time frame of weeks but in seasons. From week to week you may not see any progress, or you may even slip backward at times but if you stay with your long term goals, you'll see your game mature. Keep at it, you'll look back in a year or two and realize how far you've come.
First year team and we're struggling to get out of the inning at times , due to lack of team chemistry and Bad News Bears type talent I've been trying to give my team an ace in the hole at Pitcher. Very strong men/women with expensive composite bats make for dangerous play so I'm looking for ways to slow them down if that is even possible. Our Offense is good , defense has work to do and I know that starts with my communication / composure. Anything else I'm missing ? Also can different pitches slow down sure fire hitters or am I just a glorified pitching machine ?
@@chrispanteah6829 Chris, there are some pitch sequences that if precisely executed, improve your chances of slowing down good hitters and I'll be covering some of those in future videos but let's step back a bit and look at your situation from a slightly different perspective. If your offense is producing runs that's a plus as I believe it's easier to improve defense than to improve hitting. My channel's focus is on pitching but good pitching cannot make up for poor defense as even the best slow pitch pitching will never strike out good batters. Don't expect more from the pitcher than can be produced from that position. On good defensive teams, the pitcher and defense work together, working the batter into hitting the ball into the defense you set up, not a sure-fire defense but a high percentage defense. In my earlier videos I've made the point that in slow pitch, strategically, your pitcher is competing against your opponent's pitcher, not the hitters. You're only pitching against the hitters in a tactical sense, no single hitter should be able to beat you though they may hit you well. Your strategic goal as a pitcher (along with the defense) is to shave off a percentage of runs given up per game by the entire team, 10%, 15%, 20% average per game. This will make your team more competitive over the season, not necessarily in any particular game. So, you want to be careful about looking for the "magic bullet" pitch. There is no such thing. It's about improving your chances of success against an entire batting order over time. Focus on control of your pitch location, precision in your pitching. This is the number one predictor of successful pitching, any kind of pitching.
Are you using a 12" ball in these clips? I have super long fingers and I still have trouble getting a comfortable grip on the 12" ball. It almost looks like you're using a slightly smaller ball.
Hi Brennan, yes, using 12 inch ball. It is uncomfortable at first but with a little work, it will start to feel natural for you. My next video, Strength Training and Practice Drills will include specific exercises designed to help improve your "grip reach" around the ball. Subscribe if you haven't and you'll be notified as soon as it is published. Good luck!
How do you adjust the grip if your hands are small? I’m a full grown woman and our Women’s league uses 11” balls. My hands are too small to get an “even” grip.
My grip is tight, squeeze the ball to keep your index and middle finger from slipping off the seams. My ring and little finger don't touch the ball, they just go along for the ride. For me, a three point grip is cleaner and improves control.
If it's going to be a wet night, I sometimes carry a rag in my back pocket. The ump usually doesn't mind. I also cover this in my next video, dealing with practice drills for the grip and wrist.
I switched to this grip about 3 weeks ago after seeing this video (actually the whole series) and it really works well except for one thing: what to do with the other two fingers. I figured out after a few dozen pitches that my ring finger was interfering with the ball. I hadn't read the comments until now but, however, I arrived at a different solution during the first session that has worked for me. After trying to keep the two fingers away I finally tried putting the ring finger over the middle finger and settled in the groove between the nail and skin. The pinky naturally stays out of the way and my control is great. Thanks
Craig, here you go: ruclips.net/video/hMqrHjtbsYg/видео.html or you can see it on this playlist with all 4 videos in the series: ruclips.net/p/PLri-4u3S_FU149e3xYoowoBP_DACt19Af Thanks for watching!
Just watched your video on mechanics. Pitched my first slow pitch softball game went the whole seven inningsDid not give up one walk and we won 8 to 4. I never pitched before in my life your videos helped thanks
Your videos have helped me out a ton over the past year. Haven't seen any new content in awhile. Hope all is well.
Used the 4 seam grip, focused on backspin. Didn't get the calls for some corner strikes, but still able to get batters to swing at the breaking ball. Even after walking a batter, I remained focused on the grip and made it a point to keep my thumb on the bottom. This worked, got the 12-3 win. Thank you!
Awesome John! Only 3 runs given up, wow. That is definitely a quality outing. I love the way you're looking at your game in detail, calls on the corners, walked batters, focus on grip, thumb on bottom. This is the kind of honest self-analysis that will help you get better and make you a great pitcher. Keep it up and keep in touch!
Another solid vid, looking forward to part 3!
Thanks for these videos! I am a fast pitch pitcher learning how to slow pitch for my league. It's starting to make more sense watching your videos.
I appreciate your comment! Since you're already a pitcher, you should have no trouble switching over. Pitching is pitching after all - get the batter out.
I got lit up today for 17 runs in the first inning tossing regularly. I'm going to try your technique and see how I do next time!
Thanks for the video!!! I'll try this tomorrow after work. Just what I needed!!!
Great video. Any tips to increase distance when putting so much effort into the spin? I have to take two steps and really whip my right hip to get any good velocity toward the plate.
Sure, that will take a little time with practice. In Video 3 "Strength Training and Practice Drills" I'll show you a couple of workouts to help with your overall power. It's a good sign that you're struggling with distance now... that means more energy is going into the rotation and that's what you want.
I already throw backhanded. But, I generally use 3 fingers instead of 2. Do you think that the same principles apply if I put the index and ring fingers wide by the seams and float the middle finger?
i like how you get into a good fielding position after each pitch... even practice pitches... i wish you would talk about it more since this is a dangerous position... especially these days with hot bats and balls... and i find that i get more hits up the middle on movement pitches just because it makes it tougher for the hitter to do what they want to do... plus when they bleed out over the middle of the plate... i'd even suggest reflex drills...glove speed is everything...
great videos ace... i'm loving them... i've even decided to try your screwball since i haven't been able to develop a good forehand one... there is one guy at the sportsplex i play at that has developed a forehand screwball and i plan on getting with him soon to work on it as well... i'm holding a clinic sometime in the next 3 weeks and i plan on giving everyone your link... it's the first thing on here about pitching that's this in-depth...
Thanks for the props, Willy! I agree that pitching is a dangerous position. I know of guys who have been seriously hurt and even killed by a batted ball. It's rare, but it happens. Many municipal leagues are making the pitching safety screen mandatory.
Our league just instituted a semi-voluntary rule that mandates the use of a pitching screen for both teams if only one team requests it. It's the first time I've ever pitch behind a screen, but I'm getting used to it. I haven't requested it, but our opponent has, in a couple of games.
The main thing I don't like about it is the limitation it puts on you to pitch from both sides of the rubber. By rule, it must shield at least 50% of the rubber so you can't pitch from the 1st base side of the rubber if you're right-handed. The first base side is my preferred side from which to pitch when I'm throwing the slider inside on a lefty.
Oh well, gotta go with the flow. Good luck with your clinic. I hope you have a good turnout!
wear a mask and a shin guard... not hard
Great video. Keep them coming.
Where are you looking when you pitch? I’ve always aimed at my catcher but lately I’m missing the Mat quite a bit.
This is more of a question: I have relatively small hands; I’m not sure that stretching the first two fingers will achieve your recommended position on a 12” softball. I can do this with the index and ring fingers... I would appreciate your comments. Great videos on a unique topic.
Great point! I don't see why gripping with index and ring fingers wouldn't work. I've never tried it myself. Just be careful that the ball doesn't touch or roll off your middle finger as I think this would dampen your ball rotation speed. The other point I would make is that to get good rotation any slip between your fingers and the ball should be eliminated and this is only possible with a tight, 3 point grip. As long as you can account for these two issues, it should work fine. Let me know how it works for you and I may start teaching it as an alternative grip. Thanks!
My team has me pitching and it's the 1st time in 40 years of softball that I'm doing this. I'm averaging less than 1 walk/game, so I'm doing OK. Your videos helped me get the the mechanics down before ever stepping into the field. Thank you!
2 questions on the basic/backspin slow pitch: 1) The release of my pitch seems higher than yours. I'm striving to get good arc on it. Could I be throwing it better with a lower release? 2) My delivery arm speed is slow and then I try to flick the ball (faster than my arm is moving) upon release to create the backspin. Correct or should my arm move faster in conjunction with a lower release like you show in your demonstration? O'D
O'D. You should pitch with as much arm speed as you can control. Faster arm = more back spin. When you do, your release must be lower to keep the ball down. My release is just at my knee to keep the arc below 10-12 feet. Glad you're doing well! Keep up the good work.
I'm a pitcher for my wheelchair softball team, I'm excited to try this with a 16" Chicago ball!?
Have you ever done a video for a pitcher that doesn’t throw back handed and has a straight forward release?
Thanks for putting out the videos , it helps pitchers of all levels and experience . I have been pitching for quite a few years and use my experience as a fast pitchpitcher in slow pitch . I use the back spin as my primary pitch but also use hand under curve and drop at times . The knuckle ball is also in my arsenal . Your instruction has been very helpful. I was wondering if you play FHC that we might cross paths . I play in the 65 +age bracket , Thanks Dave J
Hi David, I appreciate your comments. I'm not familiar with FHC. What is that?
Florida Half Century
@@davidjoseph7273 I could play 60+ and I've played a few senior league games but as long as I'm competitive playing with the young guys I prefer playing there. The way things are going now with the Wuhan Flu, who knows how things will go for a while.
I pitched against the young guys about 5 years ago b/4 the pitching screens were used. I know play in the 50+ rec league and I run a 65+ team with FHC . The 50+ definitely keeps your game sharper , both pitching and hitting. Ill get a video to you with me pitching. Thanks again for doing this for pitching.
@@davidjoseph7273 Sure, that would be great.
Hey WN Ace, I have smaller hands. In your hand, is your Thumb directly under your Pointer Finger? Im trying to really understand if I can pitch this was with small hands not covering alot of grip area to make sure i can get the spin out of my hands.
Omg I have small hands too and was curious what tweeks, if any, I could try?
@@tate2571 it didn’t end up working for me. Tried it for a long time. I’d work on a knuckle and pitches that moveninstead
Is there an advantage or preference as to using your style of release, where the ball is flipped upwards upon release from underneath your hand, as opposed to regular underhand pitching where the ball is cradled in the hand with the palm facing up when released? Or do you pitch using both styles?
Gary, I do believe there is an advantage to pitching palm-down with backspin. I explain this in detail in this video: ruclips.net/video/EgzYL5K1cYs/видео.html
Let me know if you have any questions after watching it. Thanks!
Thanks for the quick reply and for all of the great training videos. I have been pitching slowpitch for several years, but have always used the basic underhand approach. I have tried your way on a few occasions when practicing, but it is a totally different approach for me. Especially for getting the ball to the plate (am always throwing short), or maintaining control of the pitch. I will check out your link. Always hard at first to change something that you've been used to doing for a long time!!!@@utah32804
How many pitches do you have in your arsenal ? I got about 3 , first year pitcher and I realized I've been missing out.
Hey Chris, you're doing pretty good if you've only been pitching for a year and already have 3 pitches. I throw 4 pitches but use only 2 about 80% of the time (working on a fifth right now). For me its not so much how many pitches I have but how well I command those pitches. If I'm struggling with any particular pitch in a game, I'll just put it aside and stay with the one or two I can really put on the spot. Then later I'll address the problem in my work out. This is the normal course of progress, you think you have it figured out and then the wheels come off so you go back and work on it again. The key is not to look at your progress in the time frame of weeks but in seasons. From week to week you may not see any progress, or you may even slip backward at times but if you stay with your long term goals, you'll see your game mature. Keep at it, you'll look back in a year or two and realize how far you've come.
First year team and we're struggling to get out of the inning at times , due to lack of team chemistry and Bad News Bears type talent I've been trying to give my team an ace in the hole at Pitcher. Very strong men/women with expensive composite bats make for dangerous play so I'm looking for ways to slow them down if that is even possible. Our Offense is good , defense has work to do and I know that starts with my communication / composure. Anything else I'm missing ? Also can different pitches slow down sure fire hitters or am I just a glorified pitching machine ?
@@chrispanteah6829 Chris, there are some pitch sequences that if precisely executed, improve your chances of slowing down good hitters and I'll be covering some of those in future videos but let's step back a bit and look at your situation from a slightly different perspective. If your offense is producing runs that's a plus as I believe it's easier to improve defense than to improve hitting. My channel's focus is on pitching but good pitching cannot make up for poor defense as even the best slow pitch pitching will never strike out good batters. Don't expect more from the pitcher than can be produced from that position. On good defensive teams, the pitcher and defense work together, working the batter into hitting the ball into the defense you set up, not a sure-fire defense but a high percentage defense. In my earlier videos I've made the point that in slow pitch, strategically, your pitcher is competing against your opponent's pitcher, not the hitters. You're only pitching against the hitters in a tactical sense, no single hitter should be able to beat you though they may hit you well. Your strategic goal as a pitcher (along with the defense) is to shave off a percentage of runs given up per game by the entire team, 10%, 15%, 20% average per game. This will make your team more competitive over the season, not necessarily in any particular game. So, you want to be careful about looking for the "magic bullet" pitch. There is no such thing. It's about improving your chances of success against an entire batting order over time. Focus on control of your pitch location, precision in your pitching. This is the number one predictor of successful pitching, any kind of pitching.
Are you using a 12" ball in these clips? I have super long fingers and I still have trouble getting a comfortable grip on the 12" ball. It almost looks like you're using a slightly smaller ball.
Hi Brennan, yes, using 12 inch ball. It is uncomfortable at first but with a little work, it will start to feel natural for you. My next video, Strength Training and Practice Drills will include specific exercises designed to help improve your "grip reach" around the ball. Subscribe if you haven't and you'll be notified as soon as it is published. Good luck!
How do you adjust the grip if your hands are small? I’m a full grown woman and our Women’s league uses 11” balls. My hands are too small to get an “even” grip.
How hard are you gripping the ball? How do you hold your ring and pinky finger?
My grip is tight, squeeze the ball to keep your index and middle finger from slipping off the seams. My ring and little finger don't touch the ball, they just go along for the ride. For me, a three point grip is cleaner and improves control.
WeekNight Ace To prevent slippage, do you wipe the ball off on something when the pitcher or fielder throws it back to you?
If it's going to be a wet night, I sometimes carry a rag in my back pocket. The ump usually doesn't mind. I also cover this in my next video, dealing with practice drills for the grip and wrist.
I switched to this grip about 3 weeks ago after seeing this video (actually the whole series) and it really works well except for one thing: what to do with the other two fingers. I figured out after a few dozen pitches that my ring finger was interfering with the ball. I hadn't read the comments until now but, however, I arrived at a different solution during the first session that has worked for me. After trying to keep the two fingers away I finally tried putting the ring finger over the middle finger and settled in the groove between the nail and skin. The pinky naturally stays out of the way and my control is great. Thanks
Where is part 3?
Craig, here you go: ruclips.net/video/hMqrHjtbsYg/видео.html
or you can see it on this playlist with all 4 videos in the series: ruclips.net/p/PLri-4u3S_FU149e3xYoowoBP_DACt19Af
Thanks for watching!