Whether you’re a seasoned pitcher looking to fine-tune your technique or just starting your journey in the sport, this blog post has you covered. Today, we’re delving into not one but two valuable drills that can help elevate your game. We’ll explore the “One-Knee Drill,” designed to enhance arm motion and wrist snap, and the “Roll The Ball Drill,” focused on developing that crucial wrist snap. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of how these two exercises can contribute to your growth as a softball pitcher.

One-Knee Drill

Purpose:

Works on a pitcher’s arm motion and wrist snap.

Setup:

The pitcher gets down on one knee about 15-20 feet from home plate. A catcher sets up behind the plate.

Instructions:

Resting on her throwing let knee with her stride leg pointed toward the plate, the pitcher winds up and throws the ball to the catcher.

Coaching Tips:

• The pitcher’s shoulders should not move at the same time that the ball is thrown.
• The pitcher should be pushing back slightly off her lead foot.
• The pitcher should be trying to throw the ball hard.

Roll The Ball Drill

Purpose:

Works on developing a pitcher’s wrist snap.

Setup:

The pitcher stands about 5-8 feet from the catcher. The coach stands next to the pitcher.

Instructions:

The coach holds the pitcher’s throwing arm and the pitcher tosses the ball to the catcher using only the snap of her wrist.

Coaching Tips:

• If the pitcher is snapping the ball properly, her fingertips should come up.
• The ball should go straight to the target and not arc.
• Stress to pitchers to relax their body and their arm and to feel the ball in their fingertips. Many will try to swing their body to generate momentum. Don’t allow that. This drill is designed to develop the wrist snap and get the pitcher used to feeling the ball roll off her fingertips.