Creating an Effective Screw Ball and Curve Ball

The screw ball is one of the hottest pitches in softball! While it's easy to learn, it can cause problems if thrown incorrectly. Houston's Kyla Holas breaks down a comprehensive list of basic fundamentals and drills that your pitchers can use to develop a safe and effective curve ball and screw ball.

Starting from the fast ball position (to avoid tipping the hitter), Coach Holas covers the basic philosophy of the grip, the appropriate axis for the ball, the proper leg path and weight shift, head angle and arm mechanics to throw each pitch.

Holas implements many pitching tools that all coaches have handy to help with the development of her pitchers. She demonstrates with a small football to show the grip, axis, spin and arm movement for the screw ball, as well as a similar drill with a flying disc for the curve ball. Halas uses live demonstrators for each drill so you can see the mechanics in motion and to show you necessary check points to ensure that proper form and technique are being followed.

Using a variety of common equipment, Holas shows how your pitchers can use their footwork and momentum to deliver your pitch. She demonstrates proper release points and balance for the pitches and shows how to gauge accuracy and the break of the ball.

The screw ball and curve ball can become "go to" or strike out pitches if learned and thrown safely. By implementing these drills into your pitchers daily work outs you will see improvements and increase the productivity of your pitchers in no time. These drills can be utilized by the beginning pitcher as well as the experienced pitcher. A must get tutorial on the curve and screw ball!

51 minutes. 2012.