How are they alike?
The only similarity between the two different kinds of pitching are the certain pitches. To be an effective pitcher, they should have some kind of off-speed or change up, any kind of junk pitch, and movement. One certain days one pitch may be working better than the other and the pitcher and catcher must recognize that. If a pitcher has speed but no junk pitches then by the third or fourth inning the batter will be able to time up the batter and eventually start hitting him/her just like they practice with the pitching machines.. A rule that pitchers must follow that is the same for both sports is that both feet must be in contact with the rubber before they start their windup.
While pitching, the pitcher must understand what the batter is going to do. More so in softball, the pitcher must know if the batter is going to bunt and what she/he is going to do to defend the bunt. Most pitchers are trained so when they see a girls square or they know that they are bunting the corners are up and the pitcher usually throws right at the batter. When my dad calls my pitchers and we know the batter is bunting, he usually calls a high and inside pitcher. Thus making it harder to get the bunt down successfully. |
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