Fastpitch softball , also known as fastpitch or fastball , is a softball form generally played by women and men, though fast-pitch leagues also exist. The International Softball Federation (ISF) is the international softball body. ISF recognizes three pitching styles: fast pitch, fast pitch "modification", and slow pitch. Fast throws are considered the most competitive form of softball. This is the softball form played at the Olympics in 1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008. The pitch style is also quickly used in campus softball and international competitions.
The pitcher throws the ball underhand with speeds of up to 77 miles per hour (124 km/h) for women and up to 85 miles per hour (137 km/h) for men.
The pitching style of fastpitch differs from the slowpitch softball. Pitchers in a softball pitch usually throw a ball using the "windmill" type of movement. In this pitching style, the pitcher begins with his arm on the hip. Common ways to teach how to shrill are to use movement, 'cast out', 'rock', 'kick', 'drag', 'throw'. The pitcher then carries the ball in a circular motion above the head, completes the circle back to the hip, and breaks the hand. The "modification" pitch is identical to the "windmill" pitch except that the arm is not carried on the head in full windmill movement, but instead it is brought to the back of the body and then thrust straight forward for release. Another type of pitching motion is "figure 8". With this style, the ball is not carried in the head at all but down and behind the body and back in one smooth motion tracing the number eight. There are many different throws that can be cast, including two-stitch fastball, four-seam fastball, turns, two different riseballs, two falling balls, curveball, offspeed, screwball, knuckleball and more. These pitches can be taught in a variety of styles, depending on the pitcher coach method and the player's ability.
Catching is also a very important part of softball pitch fast. Without a fast catcher, the pitcher will not work. The catcher must be able to recognize the batter, their hitting style, and the right tone to call. If there is a bad throw that touches the ground, the catcher must block it so that it ran not scored, and the runner did not advance at the base. And when the pitch is close to the strike-zone, catch the "frame" by pulling the ball toward the center of the plate to convince the referee to call the pitch strike. The catcher is protected by a chest guard, helmet, mouth protector, foot protector, and special gloves. This is because of the proximity of the batter with the catcher; it is a dangerous position so one should always be vigilant. The catcher is responsible for throwing the runners when they try to steal the base, which means that the catcher must have strong arms and fast pitches. The catcher is the brain of the team, and takes it as a whole.
Fastpitch softball games are similar to baseball, and include stealing bases and bunting. However, unlike baseball, there is no "leading off" - basperner can only leave the base when the pitcher releases the ball. Most of the leagues use the rule of "dropping a third shot", allowing the dough to try to advance to the first base when the catcher fails to catch the third attack.
Video Fastpitch softball
Histori
Fast pitch softball became a very popular sport in the US during the '30s and '40s. Commercial and semi-pro leagues appear across the country in big cities and small towns. Both men's and women's leagues are very popular and it's not unusual for both to play on the same night in a "double-header". Due to the speed of these games, they are very popular among audiences. During those years, women's games are very popular and fun to watch but the real result is men's play. A pitcher that can throw more than 85 mph at 46 meters of batter can attack 15 to 20 batters a game. To make things more difficult, sending under the hand means the ball rises as it approaches the talented plates and pitchers can make the ball do some bewildering aerobatics on its way to the batter box. The Amateur Softball Association was formed in 1934 and held a national tournament every year to determine the best softball team in the country. Soon there are state and regional tournaments across the country that choose teams to compete for the coveted National Championships. Fierce competition with competing teams not only in the field but in recruiting the best "ball ballers" around. It was not unusual for a talented pitcher to be recruited by the winning team after his team was eliminated from the tournament. There are rumors that some of these "amateurs" live justly from playing softball. Fast pitch softball began to lose popularity in the mid-50s for various reasons. More families are getting television in their homes and thus the game attracts more people. More teams began to play "slow pitch" with greater emphasis on fielding. Despite the softball pitch fast men still played, this game is now mostly played by women.
One of the most important events in softball history came when ASA sent Connecticut Brakettes from Stratford, Connecticut to compete in ISF Women's World Championships in 1965. Brakettes were ASA's first women's basketball team and they completed the competition with an 8 -3 record and a silver medal. After the championships, the Brakettes travel to many locations around the world to serve as ambassadors for sports. During the trip, the coaches and players held a softball clinic to give people a better understanding of softball.
As the world's participation in softball continued to grow, the sport was finally included in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. ASA responded by developing a training pool of the best coaches in the country along with a selection committee that will recruit the most talented US softball players. The selection committee is responsible for making final cuts to decide which players will compete for the US team in all international competitions throughout the year. The strategy was successful when the United States won their first Olympic gold medal in softball against China with a 3-0 victory. This success was followed by two Olympic gold medals and seven world championships.
The number of softball division teams in the US has increased from 222 in 1997 to 277 in 2007. The number of youth teams also increased from 73,567 in 1995 to 86,049 in 2007.
Maps Fastpitch softball
Controversy
In July 2005, IOC members voted 52-52 (with one abstention), to remove softball (along with baseball) from the Olympic program after the 2008 Olympic Games. Softball and baseball needed a majority vote to stay. Both sports were the first to be cut since 1936. One of the reasons why softball is considered for elimination from the Olympics is because there is not enough global participation and not enough depth of talent around the world to earn Olympic status. In three Summer Olympics that included a softball competition, four countries won medals: the United States, Australia, China and Japan.
In response to the concerns expressed that there is not enough talent around the world, the ISF began introducing games in places where softball is not traditionally played. For example, the US team donated equipment and conducted coaching clinics in the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Jessica Mendoza's US team has also dispatched equipment and conducted clinics in other countries such as Brazil, the Czech Republic and South Africa.
After the softball removal from the 2012 Olympics became a possibility, ASA created the Softball World Cup in Oklahoma City in 2005. This event allowed the top countries in the world to compete each year. The 2005 World Cup Softball drew more than 18,000 fans worldwide for a competition between the top five international softball teams.
The Softball World Cup was then set as one of the main events for softball sports. In the Second World Cup Softball, attendance records were damaged and television ratings were higher than in previous US Softball events on ESPN and ESPN2. Fastpitch softball, however, has been added to the 2020 Summer Olympics.
Olympic Involvement
Softball in the Summer Olympics is on the Olympic program from 1996 to 2008. Softball has been removed from the program for 2012 and 2016, but has been read for the Summer Olympics 2020. Together with softball, the IOC (International Olympic Committee ) has added baseball, skateboarding, karate, climbing sports, and surfing to the Summer Olympics. Organizations have expressed consideration of youth focus and increased interest in newly added sports. Many countries have expressed interest in adding softball especially for Olympic games, with college softball and growing semi-professional games.
Tools
Ball
Softballs made in various sizes. In softball pitch fast, most leagues use a ball with a circumference of 12 inches (30 cm) which weighs 6.25 ounces (177 g). Young players generally play with an 11-inch ring ball (28 cm). The ball has a leather or synthetic leather surface and may have a higher stitching. The color of the ball has changed over time: most of the league has switched from a white ball to a high visibility "optical" yellow ball; some men's leagues still use white balls.
Bats
Bats in fastpitch softball come in a variety of sizes and consist of wood, metal or other composite materials. Some leagues may require a wooden bat due to player security issues. All bats used in the ASA softball competition must have an ASA-approved stamp and be included in the list of approved bat models issued by the ASA national office. All organizations, such as the NSA, USSSA, ISA, and ISFA, all require self-approved stamps, without one, bats are illegal ads unusable, use will result in removal of the game All softball bats A softpitch may be no more than 34Ã, inches long , 2 1 / 4 Ã, inch in diameter. Also, a "drop" of no more than 13 is allowed. The decline is calculated by taking the length of the bat in inches and subtracting the weight in the ounce. Female players tend to use special fastpitch bats, while male players usually prefer slowpitch bats.
Gloves
Gloves are worn by all members of the defensive team and are made in various styles and sizes. Gloves made of leather or sturdy fabrics. The first catcher and baseman usually wear gloves that include additional pads and no fingers. Gloves are similar to baseball gloves, but softball allows larger sizes up to 14 inches from top to bottom.
Uniform
Fastpitch softball uniforms usually include T-shirts, T-shirts, fitted properly under shorts, baseball socks, hats, visors and shorts. Baseball cap and head band is optional for women, mandatory baseball cap for men. Most women's fastpitch softpitch players wear "sliding shorts" that protect the back of the thigh while sliding into the base. Some players can also wear a shin protector to protect the area below the knee to the ankle. Male players wear "baseball" trousers. Softball softball shoes may have cleats or nails. Round iron or hard plastic spikes are not allowed because of the increased risk of injury to the opponent in the slide.
The rake gloves can also be worn when playing fastpitch or softball slowpitch. The rake gloves are designed to enhance the grip of the player and to provide protection for the batter when they are on the plate. The rake gloves also provide additional protection for the hand in the field gloves when throwing and catching the ball. The rake gloves are designed to prevent the player's hand from being broken.
Helm
Helmet needed in softball pitch fast. There are many different styles of helmet batting, but must have two ear flaps, and most women have facial masks on their helmets for extra protection. All helmets that have been damaged, altered or repaired previously are not allowed to be used. The catcher must wear protective helmet, face mask, and chest protector. Male catchers should wear protective cups. Apart from the catcher, any other player on the softball team can quickly wear protective masks or face shields in the field. This mask is designed to prevent traumatic face injuries.
Installation techniques
Softball throwers at any level require a degree of accuracy with their pitches. Accurate pitch is achieved through different techniques that help the pitcher to maintain a certain consistency of weight and body balance. The pitch begins with the grip and ends with a follow-up after the ball is removed from the pitcher's hand. Accurate pitch requires skills in six areas: grip, attitude, windup, step, release and follow-up.
The perfect grip depends on which pitch pitcher throws. For a normal fastball, it is useful to hold the ball firmly with your fingertips, but not to have the ball pushed deep into your palm. In softball fastpitch, there are several types of grips for various pitches. There is no one right way to hold or throw a pitch, it all depends on the pitcher. Some grips are easier for individuals because of the size of their hands while others find certain grips more difficult. This is why young pitchers who have not developed into normal hand sizes start with a more basic grip like fastball. The main pitch involved in softball fastpitch is as follows: fastball, change-up, curveball, drop ball, and ball riding. Other pitches include both drop curve, and also drop screw, and backdoor curves.
Pitcher attitude is also important when throwing a ball. In different types of competition, different rules regarding attitudes apply. In college, professional, and Olympic games, the pitcher must place both feet on the rubber when starting the pitch. Other competitions require only one leg on rubber. The pitcher foot is placed at a distance no larger than the width of the shoulder, with one foot or both feet on the rubber. A common attitude to a pitcher is to have a football on the same side as a throwing arm (also called pivot foot) on the front edge of the rubber, and the alternate shoulder toes extending and toward the middle or back side of the rubber.
The steps are performed from the starting position by rocking back, shifting the weight back to gain momentum and then moving the weight forward to the pivot foot ball. The pitcher then pushes the rubber with pivot legs, rotating the legs in 30 to 40 degrees, clockwise angles as opposing legs move out into steps. The step foot should land along the "power line", meaning that the pitcher body is aligned with the plate, with the pitcher hips facing the third base line. The pitch angle can be changed in different ways through the steps. If the pitcher leads to the outside corner of the dish, the pitcher will spin, step on the opposite leg, and land slightly outside the "power line"; if the inner angle is directed, the teapot will land slightly inside. If the movement is very smooth, the dough may not be able to pay attention to the change of angle. In most leagues during pitcher delivery, the pivot foot must drag along the ground to make the pitch legal. If the drag feet are lifted off the ground, the illegal field will be called crow crow. In this case, the dough is given with one ball to the count, and all the base runners advance to the next base. In international games - and in most league men - pitchers are allowed to jump with pivot legs. Crow hop here is considered legal.
The windup is done with a throwing arm and occurs before the pitcher releases the ball. Across the field, the upper body must remain upright, rather than bending over. Throwing arm throwing starts at the hip. Some pitchers move the throwing arms back as they shift their backs, but there is no need to throw an effective throw. From the hips, the throwing arm moves upward in a circle, brushing the ear, and returning to the hip before release. The pitcher arm must remain tight in the body to keep control of the pitch. This can be done because the bottom of the pitcher spins in a straight line.
Release is one of the most important movements for pitch effectiveness. The release technique consists of wrist-snapping and allows the ball to roll up the fingertips when the arm reaches the hip. If an instant also twists the wrist, the ball will move sideways or up and down, which may benefit the pitcher by confusing the dough. Follow-up is the last movement of a pitch. This is the point when the pitcher bends the throwing arm at the elbow, and the hand moves up, finishing in front of the pitcher's face.
Excessive injury risk for pitcher softball windmills
The throw of the windmill consists of three phases. The first phase, or "ending" involves the initiation of movement until the top of the rear swing (TOB). The second phase takes place from the top of the rear swing to the instant of the footsteps (SFC). The third phase occurs between SFC and instant ball release (REL).
Knowledge of the kinematic parameters of this phase is essential for physicians, physical therapists, and athletic trainers to design better diagnostic and rehabilitative protocols that are specific to athletes. Previous research by Alexander et al. shows that the majority of kinematic parameters have low magnitude and vary between pitchers during the windup phase. In a follow-up study, Werner et al. check the second and third phase parameters, which they call "delivery phase". They found 7 specific parameters of throwing mechanics that correlated with the risk of shoulder injury: shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, knee flexion angle at SFC, step length, step angle, and elbow and hip angle in REL. This kinematic monitoring will help reduce shoulder stress. Means shoulder abduction and shoulder flexion angle in SFC is 155Ã, Â ° Ã, Â ± 16Ã, Â ° and 168Ã, Â ° Ã, Â ± 35Ã, Â °, respectively. When the foot of his foot touches the ground, the knee shows an average value of 27Ã, Â ° Â ± Â ± Â ° flex. The length of the step averages 89% Ã, Â ± 11% of height. The step position varies between subjects, with an average grade of -3 Â ± 14 cm; this indicates that when the foot touches the ground, the average landed slightly to the side of the home plate first for the right-handed pitcher, and to the third-base side for the left hand. The angle of elbow flexion is 18 Ã, Â ° Ã, Â ± 9Ã, Â ° and the rootstock angle (hip) moves towards the closed position of 52Ã, Â ° Ã, Â ± 18Ã, Â ° on REL. This suggests that a greater shoulder-abduction rate in SFC and a larger step angle decreases the strength of shoulder compression. In contrast, longer steps, open REL pelvic positions, and greater elbow flexion on REL and flexion of shoulder and knee on SFC all increase shoulder compression strength.
The normative range for kinematic parameters has been established for elite pitcher windmill populations. Specific pitching mechanical parameters correlate with clinically significant injury patterns. Interventions that account for such data may decrease shoulder force, thus translating to a lower level of time-loss injuries in this athlete group.
The fastest pitch in the recording was cast by Eddie Feigner of "The King and His Court" which recorded a speed of 104 mph. Feigner was the best in the 1950s, and it is doubtful whether this figure is true. Recently, measured by modern radar guns, the best women are clocked up to 75 mph and the best man at 85 mph.
Fastpitch swings can be broken down into 7 components: 1. Stance 2. Grip 3. Bat Position 4. Heavy Shift 5. Hand Position 6. "Squishing Bug" 7. Follow Through and Done. There are also many exercises that can aid aids in the progress of one's mechanism including hitting the tees and soft-throwing exercises. The swing must be very compact and compact because the ball will come very quickly and there is little time to react.
Fastpitch Association
Associations that support fastpitch softball include:
- International Softball Federation
- Amateur Softball Association
- The North America Fastpitch Association
- The National Club Softball Association
- National Softball Association
- Independent Softball Association
- International Softball Congress
- United States Fastpitch Association
- USSSA
- PONY Baseball and Softball
- Fauquire Girls Softball Association
Each association plays under its own official rules.
Softball AS
US Softball was created in 1933 by ASA. It's still owned and operated by ASA, and includes the National Team of Men, Women, Junior Boys, and Junior Girls.
Prior to the 1996 Summer Olympics, the US National Softball Team Selection Committee was formed to make final cuts for teams that would represent the US in every international competition. The 1996 US softball team elected to win an Olympic gold medal with a 3-0 win over China in the 1996 game.
The national women's softball team won three consecutive gold medals at the 1996 Summer Olympics, 2000, and 2004. In the 2008 Olympics, the gold medal was won by Japan after they defeated the United States. The US team received a silver medal.
See also
- College softball (quick-pitch at competitive level)
- ISF Women World Championships
References
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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