How To Pitch The Screwball - Slow Pitch Softball Pitching School

[@francischaviano7402]

I just started pitching in E/D level tourneys. Been practicing this pitch and so far it is all I have needed by simply adding depth. Meaning standing closer or further away from batter. Plus when used with a pump fake it has really worked for me. Thank you so much for explaining in a simple way and one that could be applied.

[@scottycarreiro9147]

Thank you for your awesome videos , this is my first year pitching, I’ve played softball for 6 years but this year we needed a pitcher badly so I went for it . I’m 4 games into the season and boy did your videos help me a bunch and I thank you for your detailed tips ! I actually got 2 strikeouts last game using the slider I learned here ! I’m still adjusting with the forward grip and release I always used to throw underhand lol !!! Keep up the awesome work and love to see a new video with more tips ..... thanks again man

[@rickcamozzi5926]

I had a 15 year or so break from softball. Started again a year ago playing in a senior league where I live. I have a really good backspin pitch and a knuckleball and wanted to get some ideas how to be a better pitcher and found your site. When I pitched previously I used to throw a pitch that always went right. I had no idea it was a screwball but it would move two feet off the plate and pretty useless as I could never control it. This video really helped on my first try today. Went out and got movement, most of the time. When I would pitch to the center of the plate the ball would move all the way off. But, when I tried to throw to the left of the place it rarely moved unless I threw it low and hard. I just went back and watched again and I was not starting in the correct hand position and that made it harder when trying to release the ball. My fingers were strait up. Yours is slightly turned so the index finger is up. My question is if I should be releasing with my index finger pointing directly at my target or to the left which is probably wrong since my middle finger would then be at the target. Switching topic I also tried the slider. My pitches went right on those as well. Any thought on how that could be happening. I was at the field so there aren't any striped balls there so I can't comment on what was going on with the spin. Just hoping to get some feedback. Do you have any videos on where to pitch from. Front mound, middle, back mound and what type pitches from those areas. Or do you always pitch from the same spot.

[@randomshtuff394]

It wasn't this vid, but one of your others talking about height. You recommend as low as the umps will let you. My guess is....because it gets there a little quicker= less reaction time for the hitter. But isn't a flatter pitch more in line with a good hitting, level swinger? Also, wouldn't a high arc give more time for the break on the slider and screwball. I would also think the angle/steeper drop would mean the swing would have to be more accurate to be a good hit. I quickly back up after I pitch to give myself more space=time for middle hitters. So when a hitter steps up that I know is a great, middle, hard hitter, I pitch as high as I can to give myself just a little bit more time. Plz expand on the reasons you like the 6 to 8 foot pitch. Thanks.

[@patrickbishop9254]

Each video is getting better and better! I love having this audience of fellow pitchers to communicate with! Keep up the good work! I love how you described the pitching scenarios for both lefties and righties, as well as to left/right hand batters. One other tidbit that may be beneficial to cover, would be rubber position. I like to move to the far left or right of the rubber to create different angles for the batters to see. Throwing the Screwball to a right handed batter, and you're on the far right of the rubber, gives off straighter angle to the batters eye, and then surprises them when the ball barrels in on their hands. If you're standing mid rubber, or far left on the rubber, the inner movement may be picked up a little quicker. In addition, if your throwing the screwball for an outside strike to a right handed batter, standing on the far left of the rubber on release may make the ball seem like it's a mile away, have them give up on it, and you backdoor them.

[@utah32804]

Thanks for the props, Patrick. I've been working out details to cover pitch angle from the rubber/mound. I want to be sure the illustrations are clear, make sense and, based on sound physics. Thanks again!

[@francischaviano7402]

I just started pitching in E/D level tourneys. Been practicing this pitch and so far it is all I have needed by simply adding depth. Meaning standing closer or further away from batter. Plus when used with a pump fake it has really worked for me. Thank you so much for explaining in a simple way and one that could be applied.

[@gkingdiamond]

Fantastic videos! I've been pitching for about 20 years, and still learn from you! Question: I typically throw a 12' arc. Should I vary it? Do you have a video on this?

[@johnny7D]

Thanks a lot. Pretty amazing how it can move so much. One thing I’m not seeing is your position on the mound. Are you standing on the glove side when your throwing the screwball? Thanks again

[@karlreading8559]

Great video, thank you! I've been pitching softball for about 30 years. I've always had great control, and never realized what different pitches were called. My question for you, is do you think me using my ring finger on the ball has any negative effect on my pitch? Instead of your three finger grip, I've always used a four finger grip. My screwball seems to work well, but I haven't done much with a slider. I'll give it a go tonight!

[@danfriske]

Thanks for your tips. You are saving me months/years of trial and error on my own

[@vanturino2192]

Just wanted to say hello and give an update to you since your last Q&A you answered some questions about the Screwball breaking. Im just getting home from our first game of the end of season tournament. There was a nice consistent breeze I would say 8-10mph and I had the outside corner dialed in against a right handed hitter. Normally I would never throw a pitch outside against some of the bigger hitters in a game, however I had my Screwball breaking from probably 6-7 inches outside and just catching the back corner of the matt. These guys wanted to walk and wouldnt swing at anything. So instead they would strike out looking. Just thought I'd share my fun experience. Keep in mind we were the Number 1 seed and this is a co-ed league that is less competitive but tonight I felt like I pretty much nailed the game and countered their strategy.

[@utah32804]

Good to hear from you, Van! It's great to hear when a plan comes together, especially for us slow-pitch pitchers. Good luck with the rest of your tournament.

[@vanturino2192]

@@utah32804 Certainly is. My favorite joke on the nights where they wanna walk the bases is "wow, must be proud to go home and tell the wife they walked 3 times in slow pitch" especially when they are just right on the line.Its all part of the game though so you just have to adapt. Cheers!

[@jeffrichied4521]

To be clear, do you twist your hand to the right on release? Or does holding the ball turned with your index finger at the top create a spin that naturally curves to the right?

[@emandem9999]

nice simple and easy to understand instructional videos. Would your grips and theories work for a pitcher who releases the ball with their palm up? i notice that you usually release the ball with your palm down. for me its harder to be accurate when flipping my wrist with my palm down.

[@utah32804]

Em, thanks for the props! Palm up is a different animal altogether when it comes to breaking pitches. I stopped pitching palm up years ago when I discovered the advantages of the back-spin, palm down pitch. There are many reasons I believe the back-spin pitch to be superior, and I won't go into them here. I explain this in detail in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5jdin9rgJaWj9U Your concern with accuracy is spot on. Command of location is more important than any aspect of pitching, including pitching styles, forward-spin, or back-spin. If you can't hit your spots, you're in trouble. It took me a few seasons to switch from palm-up (forward-spin) to palm down (back-spin). I shifted gradually, starting with the straight back-spin pitch. I would practice it by throwing 50-100 back-spin pitches during the week separately from my standard forward spin pitch. After a few weeks, I would pitch it, here and there in games, when I was ahead in the count. Through 2-3 seasons, I gradually moved entirely to the back-spin without even realizing it. I only pitch the forward spin now when throwing team BP. I can still throw it anytime I want in a game but rarely do. I could also throw a knuckleball, so that stayed in the mix. Then I started working on the breaking pitches, easing them into games, here and there. I will not normally advise changing from forward-spin to back-spin if a pitcher has a full arsenal of pitches, but if you don't have good breaking pitches in your tool kit yet. I would advise you to consider a slow transition to the back-spin method. You'll always have your forward-spin pitch, but once you switch, you'll probably never go back. Good luck!

[@ryanhank1420]

I've been watching your videos and i pitch orthodox soft ball and pitch underhand. So instead of your flick its the delivery of the knuckleball. Any tips for the screwball and slider or is it essentially just the inverse when pitching underhand?

[@colinhenderson1958]

Watched this video 2 hours before softball game and tried to give it a go (shame on me for not practicing!). Went out there on the mound boasting that I could throw a screwball. I got fucking shelled and let up 8 runs in 1 inning. Decided to go back to my normal "throw the ball as high as I possibly can" method and that seemed to work pretty well. I will keep on consuming this content in hope of getting some more K's on the mound because he seems to know the in' and out's of pitching.

[@billwillis3599]

I’m a pitcher that throws with my hand under the ball not over does this grip and release still work?

[@jimpeterson3806]

My slider is less than desirable at the moment but the screwball has been very well. When I throw it correctly that is. Quite a few funny looking swings in our last game from the screwball thrown in tight. Appreciate you sharing this with all of us!

[@c.r.hackett6464]

Awesome video, thank you for taking the time to make these informative vids

[@Dodgerflamy]

Hey there! Recently found and subscribed to your channel after trying to find some good tips on slow pitch pitching. Something that might interest you is I alter my delivery to throw a screwball with my hand moving in a diagonal upwards motion where my pitching hand finishes at the top shoulder of my glove side. I find that the magnus force gives it an even greater break to this pitch. Would love to see you make a video on how the magnus force impacts the pitches you throw. Also would love to see a batters perspective of your pitches. Looking forward to watching the other videos of your channel and more of your content!

[@utah32804]

Thanks for the props, Godfrey! I would be interested to see your diagonal delivery. I'm always looking for a way to improve the break on breaking pitches. My concern is that the diagonal arm motion can be an early tip-off to the hitter. It takes about 1.3 seconds for the ball to travel from release to the hitting zone, plenty of time for the hitter to adjust. When delivering the ball with a consistent arm motion, the hitter doesn't pick up the break until the pitch is almost halfway to him. The halfway point is about the time he commits his front step.

[@gerardschmenk6264]

Love your videos!! You are a very smart pitcher. I think about what you said about pitching to batters to where you try to make them hit it to your defense. I do the same thing. But the problem is my defense are the screwballs with all the errors. I can’t stand losing games when we’re up by 8 runs then error error error. As a pitcher this is very frustrating because your trying to pitch around batters to pop up, reach, weak grounders etc etc. At this point I’m pissed, then I just start serving up meat pitches and actually telling the batters here comes a meat pitch. I say to myself if you can’t play defense and you want to lose, I’ll make sure you lose! Obviously need to move on to a better team.

[@utah32804]

Gerard, I hear you. It can be frustrating as a pitcher, especially when you're putting in the practice reps and time every week. Then your teammates show up for the game at the last minute and haven't had a bat or ball in their hands since the last game. You're trying to get better for yourself and your team. I have experienced seasons, as you describe. Here's what I do. I remind myself that I'm playing recreational softball, and guys are there for many reasons. To get away from life for a while, hang out with friends, exercise, whatever. For some, it's not all about winning, so you have to take that into account. I've been there for some of these reasons myself, and most of the guys are my friends. I'm not going to screw that up over winning and losing. These situations did not mean that I had no interest in getting better. I took pride in my game, took responsibility for getting better, and started doing what I had to, to get better. You'll have to decide if the team you're on is worth your time. I do know this. The better you get, the more you're noticed, and opportunities to move to a more competitive team will come your way. One thing I would not do is to give up in any game, no matter how rough it gets. Win or lose, take pride in your game, pitch the outs, and leave the defense to the defense. It will come around for you.

[@ianh1010]

Come back to this channel all the time for reference. hope he's doing well.

[@ginacrawford3927]

I'm a petite female pitcher with tiny hands so the backspin grip doesn't work for me.. can't grab it solidly through the swing... any tips for small hands? And our arc is 6-12 feet...

[@eymyjp]

Will these techniques also work for unlimited high pitch. I can get it up there, probably 20 feet high, it would great if I can add movement to my pitches. What do you think?

[@rahoulrdhopade6367]

I play in a unlimited arch league and do use the screwball and slider. It works great as the ball has more time to break.

[@jmono1006]

I’m new to slow pitching and I can almost throw the slider but I’m having a hard time with this pitch, I’m not sure if it’s the release or just not enough practice any advice on making the ball break like it’s suppose to?

[@donovonlee5745]

I had trouble too, bc I was pronating my wrist too much and trying to snap it to the right. I also keep it in the same pronated position from start to finish (I can't change my wrist back and forth like he does during delivery). Just turn it index finger straight up and snap the wrist towards 1 pm.

[@reggie500club]

Do you change up your delivery, (windup) or fo you use a full/same windup with all your pitches?

[@utah32804]

Bartolo, I use the same motion on every pitch. I prefer to focus on ball location and ball movement. It's very difficult to maintain precise command when chaining your delivery style from one pitch to the next. Good hitters ignore all the pre-pitch movement and just focus on the ball after release.

[@michaeldennis9156]

I have been pitching for about 10 years and I have been highly effective using backspin pitches. Last night was the first time in my career I could not get the ball over the plate. Everything went straight right with no break. I am a self taught pitcher. Was the problem my target zone? My lead and released to the right? Lastly, how do you mentally reover when it is a true shit storm. I normally feel invisiable on the rubber, but last night I could throw the damn ball against a barn if it were in front me. I was tally embarrased. Mike

[@caponyx]

Hey been watching your videos for a while and found them very useful. I havent heard you talk about where you line up on the rubber so you pitches land in certain spots. I find myself doing this at times and may give away what im throwing next. Do you slightly change your lead foot angle?

[@utah32804]

Hi Jon, My approach on foot placement is all about making sure I'm always the same distance from the plate on every pitch. I used to push the heal of my right foot against the front edge of the rubber. Now I stand on the rubber with the front of my right foot even with the front edge of the rubber on release. I made this change to be sure I was in contact with the rubber on release. I know a lot of guys who have success with moving from one side of the rubber to the other, even stepping way out on release to change the angle of the ball as it comes into the hitting zone. I have better success when my mechanics are consistent so I don't step out one way or the other. I've pitched from both the 1B and 3B side of the rubber and haven't experienced much difference either way. And, you're right about giving away the pitch. If you step on the 3B side of the rubber, a right-handed batter can see right away that you're coming from the inside half of the plate. I prefer pitching from the same spot and concentrating on throwing an excellent breaking pitch to either side. This way the batter doesn't know what's coming until it's halfway there.

[@caponyx]

@@utah32804 interesting.. im a bowler so my wind up/ approach is similar when im pitching so i take 2 steps before release. ive tried taking slight steps to either side or longer strides to throw hitters off depending if i want drop the ball on the sides or on the back plate. In the league i play most hitters wont swing for the back plate stuff. i guess i should on being more consistent.

[@utah32804]

​@@caponyx It takes about 1.3 seconds for the average slowpitch to reach the plate from release. This gives most hitters plenty of time to adjust to any pre-pitch movements, fakes or tricks. If you study game video (see KZbin) of pro softball games you can see right away that most hitters don't lift their front foot, committing to a pitch until the ball is about halfway to the plate. This gives them over a half a second to reset their timing after the pitch is released. Good hitters just ignore pre-pitch motion and don't "start the clock" until they see the ball leave your hand. So, this is why I focus on building a great breaking pitch that appears to move much more on the downside after they have committed to the pitch giving the hitter less time to adjust.

[@danielwoo1731]

Any tips on pitching deep ?

[@robertgadson]

Great videos I hope you are doing well

[@bertwilkinson7842]

Do U pitch in completion regular?

[@jordanchristeson2872]

I’ve been working on the slider for a few weeks (~1500 pitches) I’ve tried to follow this word for word, but the trajectory keeps traveling the same as a screwball. Bc the palms facing 3rd base, the natural realignment of my wrist as I release the ball sends it third base side of the plate everytime. The wrist pronation and release seems to overpower my emphases on the middle/little finger leading. Is the slider supposed to feel uncomfortable or unnatural to pitch compared to the others? That’s how it feels at this point

[@rickcamozzi5926]

Did you receive a reply. I just posted the same question. Your comment on the pronation makes sense. I think my wrist is turning back out and releasing off the index finger.

[@jordanchristeson2872]

Nah brother I think I made it a little late to the party

[@ericsauve9575]

Thank you for making your videos !

[@utah32804]

Thank you for watching!

[@caseysewid6436]

How does the type of Ball play in as a factor? Gold dot? Hot dot?

[@rubybgirl6561]

I love these videos. QQ how tight to do you hold the ball?

[@donovonlee5745]

I find if I dig my top fingers in, it seems to result in a better L->R break

[@DigDeez]

@10:04 In the animation part of throwing the slider, why isn't that called a curve ball? I throw that exact angle, and thought it to be a curve ball. Great vids. I love slow pitch pitching.

[@utah32804]

KTW, there is no hard rule on the name of this pitch but the reason I call it a slider is that the ball rotation is more like the baseball slider than the curveball. A slider moves down and toward the pitcher's glove-side but the curveball breaks down. Also, the curveball rotates forward around an axis that is almost at a 90-degree angle to the flight path of the ball whereas the slider's rotational axis is closer to 45-degrees from the flight path.

[@DigDeez]

@@utah32804 Got it. Well I guess I do have a curveball that I throw, as the cut on it is swift and closer to a 90degree angle. And the pitch I have similar to the aforementioned, I'll now call a slider. I throw another type of slider with the backspin release as you, but I use my hips, shoulders more and more spin. I don't throw it much in the game though as much as I'd like. So hard to get guys to believe in you when you try to set the defense while playing with unfamiliar players. They think you're just being bossy or something. :(

[@herts9999]

I'm 39 and have been playing for close to 25 years, and when a screwball is thrown after the perfect setup, it's unhittable. I can count on one hand how many times I've went down looking, and the majority was on the inward breaker to this righty.

[@everettlunn3784]

Do you snap the wrist or kinda lob it in ??

[@donovonlee5745]

Snap the wrist 100% - just like the regular backspin pitch.

[@riffmaster1078]

How hard to you grip the seams? Are we talking holding an egg? Or more like a firm handshake?

[@utah32804]

Maximum rotation speed and correct axis angle is the key to good pitch movement. You should grip the ball firmly enough to impart maximum ball rotation speed while maintaining accurate control. Don't be afraid to grip the ball firmly. Gripping the ball too lightly will result in slippage, limiting rotation speed.

[@luisbautista6788]

I love all your videos, but I try to apply your lesson to a modify pitching

[@utah32804]

Go for it!

[@michaelolds4280]

This is a great video. but I’m half way though and just realized that its for softball🤣🤣🤣

[@anthonydiaz9965]

great video

[@dylananderson1867]

What's with the fake slider at 9:30? It'd be more useful to see how much a real pitch breaks from that angle. Same with the fake pitch at 8:10.

[@utah32804]

The simulated pitches in this video are intended to illustrate the general movement of a specific pitch as an aid to understand the pitch sequence strategy. We have other videos showing real pitches showing actual ball movement.

[@tater128]

wish you would post more video!!

[@utah32804]

Thanks, Tater. Hopefully I'll be back in business this fall.

[@tater128]

@@utah32804 I saw you saying that in some comments. I am watching all the videos now to get caught up. Have some questions about smaller hand and pitching this way in some other videos. would love to know your thoughts on it!

[@richardlusk8024]

I will do everything within my power to make sure that slow pitch is not fun for the other team

[@Gerbs964]

Am I missing something or is this not the exact same grip as with the slider.. upside down horseshoe

[@utah32804]

Yes, you're right. It's the same grip. The difference is the release angle of the wrist. When throwing the screwball your thumb should be toward your glove side on release. When throwing the slider, your thumb should be pointing toward your pitching arm side at release.

[@arttalbot730]

the screw ball was easy but that damm slide could not get the i changed the placement of my thumb and bingo thanks a couple more pitches in the bag

[@rubybgirl6561]

Where did you put your thumb?

[@arttalbot730]

@@rubybgirl6561 rolled my thumb under the ball worked for me

[@bHappy777]

If enyone know robs world this man looks like rob

[@TheJawstheme3113]

is this pitch legit? no. your feet are not in contact with the pitching zone (the rubber and the acceptable area behind it.)

[@utah32804]

Good call Joseph. I’m always sure to make sure my foot is in contact in the game.

[@clkou]

It's only illegal if you do it AND the umpire calls it. If I am in a situation I really need a strike I will often start on the mound and then shuffle way forward before my release so I am closer to the batter making it easier to get a strike. It's technically not legal but I have never been called by the umpire because they have never caught me or never cared if they did. 🤷‍♂️

[@TheJawstheme3113]

@@clkou you’re right about it’s only illegal if the ump calls it… i always say “it’s not that i can’t do that on the mound… i shouldn’t, but i can”

[@nostamusica4690]

Tik Tok ads suck

[@bobmalack481]

Need some better form fitting shorts for the lower leg area. Almost looks like you have a dress on when your legs are together..LOL!