Don't Make These 5 Common Pitching Mistakes

Let’s face it, pitching strikes isn’t easy. It often takes five to ten years for a player to develop the skills and strength needed to throw a ball over 60 mph with precision and movement. By avoiding the following mistakes, a pitcher can fast-track her journey to mastery.

DON’T...

Slow down your arm to pitch strikes.
What’s the key to consistently hitting a target? A consistent motion! Pitchers need a simple, repeatable motion, and the easiest to repeat is a full-effort one. Many coaches and parents mistakenly think slowing down will increase control. But think about it: it’s tough to repeat an exact speed every time, especially for a ten-year-old. Should she move at 50% speed? 52%? Any variation affects release timing and, in turn, accuracy. To develop control, always throw with full effort—even in games—and be patient for the results.

Try to consciously change her release point to fix accuracy.
When I ask, "Why did that ball go high?" pitchers often respond, “My release point was too late; I’ll try to release earlier.” While technically true, consciously adjusting the release point is nearly impossible at game speed. Even experienced pitchers don’t think, "release earlier"—they rely on feel honed over hours of practice. By focusing on the target, throwing full effort, and observing outcomes, players allow their body and brain to adapt naturally over time.

Think your daughter needs to practice solo all the time to build discipline.
Do you ever wish you’d start a workout, eat healthier, or finally tackle that garden project? Chances are, without an invested motivator or deadline, it’s hard to get started. But if a loved one invited you for a fun jog, wouldn’t you be more inclined? Pitching works the same way. When you commit to catching for her, she’ll learn commitment too. Many successful pitchers have parents who regularly catch for them, and it becomes a bonding experience—she wants to hang out with you! Together, you both achieve something worthwhile.

Emphasize throwing strikes every single practice.
For some reason, as soon as a pitcher picks up a ball, the fundamentals can fly out the window. To reinforce these fundamentals and build muscle memory, much of offseason practice should be with a net placed just 10 feet from the mound—no target needed. Focus on a single fundamental, repeating it 10-20 times, then switch to another. This builds the muscle memory essential for proper technique. To improve, she’ll need to get comfortable with the discomfort of learning until she can repeat the skills consistently.

Use a flashy pre-motion because it looks cool.
If a pitcher wants control over the batter, she first needs control over her own body. The easiest motion to repeat is a simple one. Mimicking favorite pitchers’ elaborate pre-motions might look fun, but it’s less fun to walk every batter. The pre-motion sets up the entire pitch; any errors early on will affect velocity or, worse, accuracy and movement. A simpler start leads to better control and consistency.

Softball pitching principles can feel counterintuitive—the mechanics are even backward! Join our pitching school to uncover the rest of these surprising lessons and help your daughter build a long, healthy, and rewarding pitching career.