Pitching: Slow Pitch Softball (Part 1) with Bob O’Brien

How long does the ball take to hit the ground from release? How do you change speeds in slow pitch softball? How do you make the ball move from right to left or left to right? See the breakdown of pitches and how long they are in the air. Learn the basics of throwing a top spin, back spin, breaking ball, knuckle ball. All here in part 1 of Bob O’Briens pitching video.

[TheKrisKing]

This is the best pitching video on YouTube. I use a 3 finger grip also, now I really want to get down a church league spinner. Thanks for taking the time to make this, Bob and Mrs O’Brien.

[AuthorAndrewBird]

I'm 68 years old and have been pitching in slow-pitch for decades. Right-handed, and my only release is palm-down, to get max backspin. If I let the ball hang up on my index finger slightly while executing a slight curve of my wrist, the ball will break from left to right (my perspective) if I get the pitch high enough (10 ft max). The break is sudden and late and it confuses hitters because they've never seen it before. I somehow subconsciously developed this pitch, it's not a pitch I ever worked on intentionally. I don't practice it, it just happens.

[georgejetson]

I throw a backspin 99% of the time . We are playing in some more competitive tournaments this year so I appreciate the insightful instruction your giving . Gonna practice them.
We use a 6 foot screen, and I love throwing from 60 feet, they come in fast

[qschamber]

Awesome info coach. I'm learning how to pitch and like you said that 'church league spinner' is my go to. I feel like I can control it a lot better than when I try to throw top spin.

[gerardschmenk]

Interesting about the palm ball. I throw that pitch a lot but slightly modified. I actually palm it like you said but have my fingers off the ball. It’s cupped in the palm of my hand but no fingers touching the ball. When I deliver the pitch I just add a little more push to get it to the plate. I use this instead of using knuckles or fingers because it was never consistent. So palm ball is my go to.

[yaqneck]

If a pitch does not reach a apex of 6ft it will not reach the plate without excessive speed.
We do this drill for new recruit umpires.
I agree that 98 % of umpires will call it illegal.
Great info Sir
Thank You

[hissingoose]

saving this, i'm normally center field and have played Div1 men's as an outfielder... but one of the three teams i'm on this year are 90% new to the game and i've been asked to help out; so will probably need to pitch. it could be a disaster, but this has been informative.

[NDallas]

Those nets are listed at 7’ even. I fight this fight as well lol. This video is really good and I agree with nearly all of it.

[JayZombie]

Stiff wrists is key! No limp wristers! Lesson for all men everywhere.

[nealpen]

As a beginning picture, it would really help if you could focus on your arm motion-backswing and release. Plus, you use a no step release, which I would really like to learn. The week night ace instructor takes a stride which puts you in a less defensive position. Thanks so much. Paul in Dallas.

[jsalgado]

Downside to pitching like this? Just learning & this feels a bit more natural for me

[DirtyRedMack]

Im one of the other guys that throw the backspin!

Stars Reloaded

[georgenagy]

Im 65 and played and coached for 35-40 yrs. About 5 years ago. I lost my ability to throw a strike, In practice I can, but once game starts I lose my focus

[bakkajua]

How is a 4 Seam Top spin high arc at 60 ft faster than the same pitch at 50ft??

[GaryPaukert]

Dang it, Obie, dont give away our secrets to the batters! But seriously I’m your opposite. I throw mostly church league backup spinners with as much spin as i can yank off the seams. And it’s my go-to 3-0 pitch. But I am trying to develop confidence in throwing the foreward spin. I think the most effective thing I do is vary my delivery from 50ft to 65ft, (in our league).

[BurritoMonkey_VR]

The only way a slowpitch ball is moving left to right or right to left is because of wind. Spin rate is too low for magnus effect to cause any lateral movement. A 12” ball would need over 25 rotations per second for any sort of curve effect to take place. That’s not happening

[justinwhite]

Im going yard on every one of those board pitches. They aren't moving enough to confuse anyone, lol

[leecarley]

It’s a lob. No different speeds, no movement, no dancing. Straight up & down. U can’t curve it. All you can do is spin it. Lame. Change speeds, lmfao.