Top Softball Throwing Drills From College Coaches & Experts
Mastering the mechanics of throwing is crucial for every softball player. Whether you're an infielder needing a quick release, an outfielder seeking max velocity, or a catcher chasing a faster pop time, proper technique prevents injuries and maximizes performance.
To help you get better, we've compiled a list of top softball throwing drills from some of the game's best minds: Austin Wasserman (High Level Throwing), Taylor Smartt (University of Alabama at Birmingham), and Larissa Anderson (University of Missouri).
These experts offer drills focusing on everything from lower body synchronization to arm path efficiency. Get a sneak peek at a few of their top drills below, and then dive deeper into the complete techniques with the Softball Throwing Drills Video Package.
This browser does not support the video element.
1. Austin Wasserman (High Level Throwing)
Austin Wasserman provides a systemized approach to the entire process his athletes follow, from the warm up, to drills, and weekly programs!
Warm-up drills are vital for preparing the body to throw, and the Follow-Through Drill focuses on using the entire body to complete the motion, which protects the arm.
- The Goal: To properly follow through on the throw by using the trunk to fully rotate around the stride leg.
- Key Coaching Points:
- The trunk rotation around the stride leg helps protect the arm.
- This drill has variations on properly following through - check them out below.
This browser does not support the video element.
The Single Leg Slam & Arm Pathway Loading Drills focus on generating ground force, improving single-leg stability.
- The Goal: To build single-leg strength and create the necessary resistance/separation between the hips and the trunk.
- Key Coaching Points:
- The Single Leg Slam builds off follow through drills and is great for building strength, where the athlete rocks back and slams a ball down. Mimics the stride planting on the ground and accelerating the body forward.
This browser does not support the video element.
2. Taylor Smartt (University of Alabama at Birmingham)
Coach Smartt emphasizes the crucial initiation phase of throwing, focusing on the shoulder mechanics and the path the arm takes to achieve maximum velocity and safety.
The Scap Load is the crucial first part of the throw, where the arm path begins.
- The Goal: To ensure the scapula (scap) moves back towards the spine (retraction) before the throw.
- Key Coaching Points:
- Retraction is when the Scap moves back towards the spine.
- Protraction is when the Scap moves away from the spine.
- Drills include Scap Rolls, Side Lying Scap Load, Kneeling Facing Away Arm in Front, and Staggered Stance Arm Behind.
This browser does not support the video element.
3. Larissa Anderson (University of Missouri)
Coach Anderson emphasizes integrating the entire body sequence to correct the youth tendency of focusing solely on the arm.
Throwing Progression & Upper Body Isolation
- The Goal: Integrate the full-body sequence beyond just the arm.
- Key Coaching Points:
- Progression includes:
- Rotation and Spacing
- Break & Separation
- Scap Load
- Core Rotation
- Glove Side Pull
- Elbow Lag
- Momentum to follow through
- Progression includes:
This browser does not support the video element.
- The Goal: Practice varied movement patterns for different defensive situations and the speed of the game.
- Key Coaching Points:
- Drills include:
- Sways
- Sways with Different Body Tilts
- The arm slot and release point do not change! It's the body angle that changes.
- Myth: Players need to change their arm angle when changing from outfield to infield. Whatever the natural arm angle is, that's where it needs to stay.
- Drills include:
Take the Next Step: Get the Complete Throwing Drills Package!
These snippets are just a taste of the expert instruction included in this video package. Ready to dive in head first to the full presentations? To purchase these in-depth presentations from three of the best minds in softball, covering every angle of the throwing motion, click the button below.
Whether you're looking to increase velocity, improve accuracy, reduce the risk of injury, or all of the above, the drills and mechanical insights from Taylor Smartt, Austin Wasserman, and Larissa Anderson are exactly what you need.
The NFCA (National Fastpitch Coaches Association) is the professional organization for fastpitch softball coaches. The NFCA educates and supports softball coaches on a variety of different levels: from webinars to awards, to in-person and virtual events, and a National Convention. Learn more about the NFCA and consider joining our lineup of 7,100 coaches today!