ASA Softball: ACE Coaching Manual - Throwing


 How to grip a softball.
Figure 1

I. GRIP

**Training Tip**
Draw a stripe on the ball with a black marker. (Figure 1) When we talk about the “stripe” on the ball, this is what we are referring to.

The player should grip the ball with two (3) fingers (unless it is a baseball, beginning grip should be 3 fingers), so that the ball is not in the palm of the hand

  • Grip across the seams (large horseshoe) of the ball if possible. The fingers will form a backward “C” around the ball with the middle of the index finger on the stripe. (Figure 2)
  • The little finger will “ride” loosely on the ball.
  • Place the thumb under the ball; the thumb should be underneath the pointer finger.
  • The fingers should cross the seams where the knuckle closest to the fingertips are. This is so the fingers can pull down on the seams during release.
  • The pressure on the ball from the fingers that cross the seams should be evenly
    distributed.
    How to grip a softball, side view.
    Figure 2

**Coaching Tip**
A tight grip on the ball will inhibit your ability to spin the ball. the grip should be firm,
but not tight allowing your wrist to stay flexible and create backspin.

II. ARM CIRCLE AND RELEASE

**Coaching Tip**
When explaining things to young players, talk in terms of “ball side” (throwing hand side) and “glove side.

  1. The throwing hand travels in a downward and back motion so that the thumb passes by the thigh, keeping your hand on top of the ball, reaching a position where the palm is facing away from the target above the shoulder (“fingers to the sky”). The back foot begins to pivot and turn the body sideways.
  2. The throwing arm is long and loose (elbow not locked); the elbow should be at the same height or slightly higher than the shoulder and the hand is above the head (Figure 3). At this point the front foot has landed and established a firm
    front side.
  3. As the weight transfer (from the back to the front) begins, the elbow leads the
    arm into the release
    Arm circle and release softball pitching.
    Figure 3
    position above the head in line with the shoulder. The palm
    has begun to turn forward and the elbow is slightly higher than the shoulder in a vertical line from the elbow to the wrist. There should be a separation that remains even from the head to the elbow all the way to the wrist.
  4. The path of the arm circle, from the starting point to the release point, is on the “power line” (straight to the target). For example, the throwing arm should not fall behind the head or body.
  5. As the ball is released, the fingers should pull down with force across the seams of the ball (intensity of grip across seams increases during the pull down). The transfer and throw should be against the firm leg.

**Coaching Tip**
The thumb leads the hand down toward the ground on release.

6. Follow–through: The hand follows through down and toward the glove-side (opposite) knee. The back leg should continue following through (releasing the back side)
7. The goal at release is to create complete vertical backspin on the ball.
8. The glove-side (non-throwing) arm extends toward the target. The glove-side
(non-throwing) shoulder stays on the power line to the target as weight transfer
and release occur.
9. Keep the glove hand close to the body through the release and follow-through.
**Coaching Tip**
When teaching young players, use the phrase “thumb by the thigh, (2)elbow high,(3)fingers
to the sky, (4)wave bye-bye, (5) and release the back side”