by
Gerald Warner
Softball Pitching Instructor
PitchSoftball.com
As
mentioned in The Drop Ball - Part I,
we recommend that every serious softball pitcher develop an
effective drop ball. Whether it is the "peel/lift-up"-style
or the "snapover/ rollover" that is discussed here,
a good drop ball adds a lot to a pitcher's effectiveness.
TO
THROW A DROP BALL, THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE IS TO GIVE IT MAXIMUM
SPIN
There
are two basic ways to throw a drop…the "peel"
method (discussed in "The Drop
Ball - Part I") and the "rollover" or "snapover"
(sometimes also called "Over-the-Top") which is discussed
here.
The
"Rollover" (or "Snapover") Drop Ball
The
"rollover" drop is usually reserved for those pitchers
who have physically developed sufficiently so that their wrist
movement can accomplish the rapid snap "over the top"
of the ball at the precise instant it is being released. Therefore,
as a general rule, for younger pitchers (pre-teenagers), we
teach the "peel" method of throwing a drop ball. For
those whose coordination and athleticism warrant it, we move
to the rollover (or "snapover") release.
To
Throw a GOOD Snapover Drop:
-
Grip
the ball on the "narrows"…where the
two seams are closest together. A two-finger grip is best…it
lets you have one finger on each seam...you get a better grip
with the fingers on the stitches of the ball.
Take a shorter stride…6 inches to 15
inches shorter than with your full speed fastball.
-
Keep
your arm speed slightly slower so you can concentrate
on doing the snapover of the ball precisely at the release.
Later, as you perfect the snapover timing at the release point,
you can make the decision if you want to increase the speed
of this pitch.
-
Land
with weight on your stride leg with the leg as straight
as possible.
-
Approaching
the release point, keep your wrist bent with the hand back,
and pointing away from your body…and relax your shoulders
-
Stay
tall at the release of the ball…keep your weight
forward on the stride leg; do NOT bend at the waist. It should
feel that you are "on top of the ball." Keep
the elbow close to the body.
-
Precisely
at the release of the ball quickly "snap" your wrist
over the top of the ball to create a fast forward
spin
-
A
good snapover creates a low follow-through of your arm (perhaps
lower than the release point). Finish off the pitch
with your little finger (pinky) pointing up, and thumb pointing
down.
Gerald
Warner is a long time pitching instructor in Denver, Colorado
and the father of former College Pitcher, Sara Warner.
