Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Fastpitch Softball Pitchers! What is the hardest pitch to master and why?

[Admin]

What is the hardest pitch in Girls Fastpitch Softball for the pitcher to master? Why?

#TeamTSZ

 

[brownsfan]

I think the toughest pitch for a pitcher to master has got to be the change-up. IMHO, it's because NOTHING can change and yet they must slow the ball down by 33% without giving any clues that it's coming. Almost every pitcher we have faced over the years gives a clue that it's coming, and it's mainly slowing down most of the mechanics before the pitch is even thrown.

 

[chixdad]

My DD is struggling with the Rise. Any suggestions? We do see a pitching coach, just not getting it.

 

[coachjwb]

Brownsfan ... if you have a DD still pitching and her hands aren't too small, have her try the knuckle change ... it was my DD's best pitch ... and of course, you don't want to be slowing down any mechanics. Message me on this if you're interested in it more.

Gary ... Sarah struggled with the rise as well. As I'm sure you know, it takes a good amount of velocity to begin with, and then the reverse rotation. Her velocity was border line to begin with, but she also only seemed to be able to get the right rotation about 1/3 of the time, which was not enough for her to be confident throwing it in games. She actually got all the way through college throwing only the drop, the knuckle change, and a fastball to spots, so it's not like you have to be able to throw every pitch either.

 

[brownsfan]

coachjwb-my dd has no problem with her change and also has a knuckle. I going off of what I have from other pitchers we've faced.

 

[coachjwb]

Ahh OK brownsfan ... you are right though, in that there are a lot of pitchers out there who do struggle with the change. I cringe every time I see a slow arm rotation, and then there are others who have the speed down but can't throw it for a strike.

 

[FastBat]

The Fastball. When you think about it, the pitcher starts with this pitch and works about one year with this singular pitch. Then, the pitcher learns to place it, then start adding the change/drop/screwball/etc., but maintaining her fastball pitch. But, all the while the pitcher is working on that fastball, to make it faster and place it. And every additional pitch, the pitcher learns, the fastball still needs re-evaluated. This pitch, is the one pitch, that is ultimately worked on the most!

 

[cjs]

I would have to say a STRIKE

 

[Louuuuu]

I would have to say a STRIKE

... on the corners.

 

[fpitchdad]

... on the corners.

.... in the river