Fastpitch Softball Pitchers are a unique breed. They are the type of person that does not fear having the spotlight shining on them. They contain nerves of steel, thriving on the pressure the position requires. Confidence in their ability is paramount to be successful and Coach Caz will be able to train a fastpitch Pitcher in every aspect required for her to succeed.

Coach Caz will evaluate every new candidate to understand where her pitching skill set lies. He breaks Pitchers down into one of four categories, they are:

1.  Beginners – a player who has little to no experience in pitching fastpitch softball.

2.  Novice – a player who has performed some pitching or received some preliminary training but has limited command of her pitches and maybe has been taught to throw a changeup.

3.  Intermediate – A player who has been pitching fastpitch softball for a few years and who has shown some command of her pitches and maybe can throw a few spin specific pitches such as a drop and/or curve.

4.  Advanced – A player who has been pitching for numerous years and has very good command of her pitches and has developed several spin pitches.

The type of training each type of pitcher will taught by Coach Caz will vary depending on the category that Pitcher falls within.

For the Beginner, training will focus on developing proper form and mechanics or what is referred to as the base building blocks of the Pitching Form. Nothing can be achieved until the player develops the appropriate muscle memory required for her to throw a pitch the exact same way nearly every time.

The Novice pitcher will continue to build on proper form and mechanics, while incorporating acute balance and stability into their pitching motion. Pitchers will be introduced to the two types of Fastballs, the 4 seam & the 2 seam as well as be taught their first pitch in a Pitchers repertoire and that is the Change-Up.

A pitcher will graduate to Intermediate level once they are able to demonstrate they have command of both the fastball and change-up. Intermediate Pitchers will continue their pitching repertoire development by being taught the spin pitches such as the Drop, Curve, Rise and Screw balls in that order. During this stage of development, Pitchers will perform drills to increase power and speed allowing for continued growth and development.

At a point during their Intermediate level, a pitcher will graduate to the Advanced stage. Here the pitcher will be allowed to become a master of their skill set. Focus will be placed on the Pitcher developing Power and Speed through the development of their legs and core muscles. Pinpoint accuracy will also be a primary focus for an Advanced Pitcher. In addition, Pitchers will be taught the finer points of the pitching skill set such as how to read batters and set them up for your pitch. Keeping hitters off balance will go a long way to win the one-on-one Pitcher/Hitter battles throughout the game in order to ensure victory in the end.

Lastly, for the Intermediate and Advanced level Pitchers, Pitching training will vary throughout the year. The following are defined seasons for Pitchers at the higher levels and training in each is defined as follows:

·    Off-Season – Pitchers will focus on developing power and speed, with little to no emphasis placed on control. During this part of the season, major changes to pitching mechanics will occur as well as the development of new spin pitches will take place. Off-Season training will start immediately after a Pitchers season ends and continue until approximately 6 to 8 weeks prior to their Season beginning again.

·    Pre-Season – Pitchers will focus on honing in their accuracy and ability to hit locations. All major changes to a Pitchers mechanics will now be in its fine tuning stages. Additional focus will be paid on maximizing spin pitches all in preparation for the upcoming season. Pre-Season training will start immediately after Off-Season training ends, some 6 to 8 weeks out from the start of the regular season.

·    In-Season – While a pitcher is In-Season, training will primarily focus on making minor corrections and adjustments to their mechanics and spin pitches in an effort to maximize their results the next time they take the mound. Sessions should be kept to a minimum (30 to 45 minutes in length), with focus being on Quality of pitches and not quantity.