Training Pitchers: Mechanics & Approach

with Leslie Huntington,
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Head Coach;
National Fastpitch Coaches Association Hall of Fame Class of 2021;
2008 NCAA Division III National Champions;
4x WIAC Coach of the Year;
2008 NFCA Coaching Staff of the Year;
former Simpson College Head Coach;
1997 and 1999 D-III National Champions at Simpson;
over 400 career wins

Pitching in softball is one of the most specialized skills required across all sports. Coach Leslie Huntington covers the basics of how to help a developing pitcher in this video. By mastering fastball mechanics, throwing an effective change up and learning the basics of a spin pitch, your pitchers will have the tools they need to succeed.

Fastball Mechanics

All other pitches are thrown using fastball body mechanics, so it's an important foundational step to master the fastball. Huntington teaches about the power line and how to get into a good attack position to generate more power. By learning how to use legs properly and aggressively, your pitchers will be able to throw the ball harder.

Change Up

You will learn what Coach Huntington calls a "suitcase" or "duffle bag" change up. She explains how to use your legs forcefully to help sell your change up and make it deceptive. When you learn this pitch and break it out during a game, batters will never know what's coming!

Spin Pitches

Huntington offers six tools to help a young pitcher learn proper spin and develop spin pitches. You'll see how to generate spin and improve that spin through repetition to make every pitch break more.

In all, this video offers 12 tools and drills that will help you develop a fundamentally sound pitcher. From fastballs to spin pitches, Coach Huntington shows everything you need to know to help improve the pitchers in your program!

69 minutes. 2020.