Pitchers in softball can end up having a large number of pitch types. It’s not uncommon for a pitcher to have six to seven pitch types they can choose from. The most common pitches for an average young pitcher to throw are the Fastball, Change-Up and Drop Curve.
Why do softball pitchers pitch differently?
Baseball leagues often have fairly strict limits on how many innings pitchers can pitch or how many pitches a player can throw. … One reason is that softball pitchers throw underhand, a motion thought to stress the arm less than the overhand throws seen in baseball.
How many different pitches should a softball pitcher throw?
Different leagues might have different restrictions on how many pitches a pitcher can throw in a game (including full-speed warm-up pitches). As a general rule: pitchers 13 and 14 years old: no more than 80 pitches per game, no more than 115 pitches per day on days 1 and 2, and no more than 80 on day 3.
How many pitches does a softball pitcher have?
Softball pitchers, however, frequently average 90-100 pitches per game and can pitch in 5-7 games over a weeklong period. This could lead to over 700 pitches in a week not including practices.
Can softball pitchers pitch every day?
According to a study by the Washington University of Medicine in St. Louis, softball pitchers are able to pitch every day because the motion of the pitch is thought to be safer than the motion of a baseball pitch.
Is softball harder than baseball?
Many people often question if softball is harder than base ball or vise versa. … However, it is scientifically proven that softball is harder than baseball. The speed of pitches, the reaction time for hitters and fielders, and the distance of the field indicates that softball is indeed harder than baseball.
Which pitch is faster softball or baseball?
Because of the distance gap, a softball can reach home plate faster than a baseball. … In college softball, the average pitch can range from 59 to 64 mph, whereas in college baseball average speeds can range from 80 to 95 mph, contributing to its velocity.
How many pitches should a softball pitcher throw in a week?
Practicing 3 times per week keeps you the same; 4 days a week or more makes you better. Throw no more than 400 full speed pitches per week. Spend time on the basics. Going through the motion without pitching can limit bad habits without placing heavy demands on the upper body.
What is the fastest softball pitch ever?
The fastest recorded softball pitch is 77 mph (123.9 km/h), achieved by Monica Abbott (USA) on 16 June 2012 in a National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) game for the Chicago Bandits against the Carolina Diamonds in Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA.
Is there a pitch limit in softball?
Pitch limits in softball assume that a player plays for only one team and any given time. … For girls 8-10 years old, 50 pitches per game; girls 10-12, 65 pitches per game; girls 13-14, 80 pitches per game and girls 15 and older, 100 pitches per game.
How fast should a 10 year old pitch softball?
Average softball pitching speed by age
| Age | Average Pitching Speeds | High-end Averages |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | 35 – 39 MPH | 40 – 43 MPH |
| 11 | 38 – 42 MPH | 43 – 46 MPH |
| 12 | 41 – 48 MPH | 49 – 53 MPH |
| 13 | 45 – 53 MPH | 54 – 56 MPH |
Do softball pitchers throw breaking balls?
The Drop Pitch
You’ll want to keep your elbow tight, stand tall, and snap the ball off your fingertips as you release it. The aim of this pitch is to create a downward spiral, effectively fooling the batter when the ball is suddenly inches below their bat.
What are the three types of softball?
There are three general forms of softball: slow pitch, modified pitch and fast pitch.
- Fast Pitch softball is a very defensive, pitcher-oriented game. …
- Modified Pitch softball strikes a balance between fast and slow pitch. …
- Slow Pitch softball favors the batters by making it easier for them to hit the ball.
Are there curveballs in softball?
An effective curveball can make your other pitches more dangerous. If your softball team needs a twist of fate, it may be a good time to throw a curveball. The curveball is a breaking pitch thrown to the corner of the plate.