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.

[@yaqneck6]

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

[@georgejetson1025]

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

[@TheKrisKing]

This is the best pitching video on KZbin. 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.

[@gavarkhai3139]

no it isn't. weeknight ace's videos are way better when it comes to teaching how to pitch in slowpitch and go way more into depth about the different types of pitches.

[@TheKrisKing]

@@gavarkhai3139 Whatever happened to that guy?

[@obtv9489]

I totally agree with you, Weeknight Ace's videos are very good! It's not a competition, were just trying to put the information out there to anyone that is looking for it.

[@qschamber8363]

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.

[@gerardschmenk6264]

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.

[@nickdallas8528]

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.

[@CommentingTheTruth]

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

[@Surge-ck3vc]

Whats the size of your shin guards?

[@bakkajua]

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

[@obtv9489]

Good question, it’s not much faster but it is. 1.701 to 1.722. I think it’s because you have to throw the ball faster from 60 feet to get it to the plate. When that top spin from 60 starts coming down, it comes down quick. That’s why many hitters have a hard time getting that pitch in the air because they are late on the ball and hit it slightly above the center of the ball.

[@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).

[@obtv9489]

lol! The contrast between the top spin and back spin is what makes the combo so good. If you can throw that top spin high, from 65 ft, it is difficult to hit that one in the air. You will get a lot of ground balls with it. Let’s work on it when I see you in July. Gary is hosting us July 12-14 in Calgary. Reach out to him if you would like to attend the 3 day camp and visit the Canadian Rockies!

[@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

[@johnmorton342]

I throw screw ball to right hand batters on regular basis to jam them but it starts off looking like right down middle pitch

[@badmanners7078]

im sorry but you are wrong. I grab a ball in line with 2 seams, the ball will "break" left at the top of the arc. every time