Last Updated on October 27, 2023 by Alex PT
Softball pitchers use various grips to throw different pitches. Common types include the fastball grip (65-70 mph), changeup grip (10-15 mph slower), and the rise ball grip for a high pitch with increased speed (70+ mph). These grips offer versatility and deception in fastpitch softball.
| Different Softball Pitching Grips Cleat sheets | How They Are Performed |
| Four Seam Fastball | A good grip will be the best option in case you would like to get the ball spinning and traveling at ultimate acceleration. With the palm of yours up, you have to keep the ball in the hand of yours as well as make sure that you consistently distribute all the fingertips of yours with the lengthiest portion of the softball seam to carry out the grip. |
| Curveball | Hold the ball in the hand of yours and also to ensure your hand is sleeping beneath the ball, you have to curve the thumb of yours to get adequate curve on the heel. The finger of yours must be bent at a 90 degree angle whenever you curl the index of its on the edge of the ball. As a result of the thumb job, it is very likely you’ve insufficient tight hold on the heel. Which means you have to put the hand of yours beneath the ball by the pitch. |
| Knuckle Curve | If perhaps you want to confuse the hitters and cause them to become wondering every time you need to provide the ball, now make use of the knuckle-curve that is widely used known as a wicked pitch. You have to keep the ball in the hand of yours the same as you did the 4 seam fastball grip to perfect the knuckle-curve grip. The knuckle of yours mustn’t touch on a seam through the ball with a curved index finger. |
| Circle Changeup | You are able to conduct a circle changeup by holding the ball the same as you will do to a 4 seam fastball. Next, you are going to make a circle with all the thumb as well as index finger. So that you can create your remaining 3 fingers help support the ball, you have to create the circle on the edge of the ball. You need to pop the wrist after releasing the pitch to help make the group towards the pitcher. |
Four Seam Fastball
Fastball is among the most prevalent pitches in softball. A proper grip is the best option if you want to get the ball traveling and spinning at ultimate acceleration. With your palm up, you need to hold the ball in your hand and also ensure that you evenly spread all your fingers over the longest part of the softball seam to do the grip.
You may either need to slide your pinkie slightly or spread all your fingers over the seam, depending on the size of your hand, to avoid it being aligned with the seam curve. Using your two fingers on the seam, you can also perform a two-finger fastball. But the only thing you need to know is that it will not have as much drop as the four-seam fastball.
Curveball
Hold the ball in your hand and to make sure your hand is resting below the ball, you need to curve your thumb to get a proper curve on the ball. Your finger needs to be bent at a 90-degree angle when you curl its index on the side of the ball. Due to the thumb position, you likely have an insufficient tight grip on the ball. So you need to place your hand below the ball by the pitch.
Knuckle Curve
If you wish to confuse the hitters and make them guess each time you want to deliver the ball, then use the knuckle curve which is popularly known as a wicked pitch. You must hold the ball in your hand just like you did the four-seam fastball grip to perfect the knuckle-curve grip. Your knuckle must not touch on a seam but the ball with a curved index finger. With all your strength, push out your index finger just as if you’re doing the pitch like a fastball. This method will help you create a sideways spin on the ball.
Circle Changeup
Everyone knows changeup to be a deceptive pitch. It is a pitch that moves more slowly to the plate having imitated a fastball. The good thing about the circle changeup is that in the process when it travels slowly to the plate, it causes batters to swing very early. Just like it’s called, you can perform a circle changeup by holding the ball just like you would do to a four-seam fastball.
After that, you will make a circle with the thumb and index finger. For you to make your remaining three fingers support the ball, you need to make the circle on the side of the ball. You should pop your wrist upon releasing the pitch to make the circle towards the pitcher. This method will slow down the velocity of the ball and also help create the illusion of the fastball.
Different Baseball Pitching Grips For Left-Handed Pitchers
There is a special place for left-handed pitchers in the history of baseball. A few of the extraordinary left-handed pitchers in the history of baseball include Sandy Koufax, Lefty Grove, Whitey Ford, and Warren Spahn. There is an advantage that most left-handed pitchers have, and most batters cannot read them during the game. However, these batters are not to be completely blamed since they are accustomed to seeing more deliveries from right-handers.
Left-hand pitchers have to know how to grip the baseball to be effective and extraordinary beyond the element. There are no huge differences between right-handed grips and left-handed grips in some pitches, however, in some cases, they are incompatible.
Fastball
Right in the exterior middle part of the ball, you need to keep your index and center fingers, throughout the seams. There should be equity between the strain your both fingers. Your thumb should be right underneath the ball. Come directly with the top with the fastball, and also the release stage ought to be twelve inches before your mind when you finish the shipping .
Curveball
Truly, one of the toughest pitchers to get to is the left-handed curveball, especially when it severs dashingly. Batters seldom notice the pitch and it’s tough being a read on it. Place your middle finger on the exterior seam. This’s the seam that’s closest to the little finger of yours. Your forefinger should be near the middle finger. If you toss this particular pitch, you are going to turn your wrist forcefully toward the left. If you finish the delivery, your fingers are going to be closest to the soil and your thumb will be aiming at the sky.
Split-Fingered Fastball
If you’re in search of a pitch for a left-handed pitcher with long fingers and big hands, then a split-fingered fastball is the best option. Grip the pitch around the seams and spread your fingers as broad as they can go. The thumb of yours goes on the bottom part of the ball in between the 2 seams. Snap your wrist downward as you provide this pitch. The great positioning of the toes produces a downward action of the ball.
Conclusion
Softball pitchers aren’t anywhere near to being very easy to hit than baseball pitches even in case they’re sent underhand. Furthermore, the point that they’re delivered underhand does not make them require less work to perfect. We’ve come to the end of this informative article we hope you were able to find resources in your quest to know the Softball Pitching Grips Cleat sheets. If you have any questions or comments about the article topic, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Thanks!
References:
https://baseballtutorials.com/sp/pitching-grips-101/
https://www.mlb.com/news/identifying-pitch-types-a-fan-s-guide
Hi! I’m Alex PT. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from Indiana University and have over seven years of valuable experience working in a Sports Event Management Company. I founded SportBlurb with the passion for bringing you the latest, most insightful, and engaging content in the world of sports. So, whether you’re a die-hard fan or want to stay informed, I’ve got you covered!
