Game version
Strike-zone game: aim at target squares on a safe backstop, and a partner marks the zones you hit. Keep to your usual number of pitches.
Windmill Pitching Basics
Learn a smooth windmill motion with good mechanics.
By Coach Evan Waechtler Youth coach (U11, Cache Valley, Utah) and founder of SSTracker Updated October 30, 2026
Set up
Start with the ball in your glove at your belt, feet shoulder width.
Core: Medium. Keep to your usual pitch count and compare only your own accuracy.
- Ages
- 7 and up
- Time
- 12 min
- Players
- You and a partner
- Space
- Gym or court
- Bring
- Glove, softball, partner or net
- Level · skill
- Beginner · Pitching
The steps
How it works
- Start with the ball in your glove at your belt, feet shoulder width.
- Step toward the target as your arm swings in a full circle.
- Brush your hip, snap your wrist, and finish toward the target.
- Throw 3 sets of 10 at a close target.
Coaching point
Smooth circle, snap at the hip.
Safety: Warm up your shoulder first. Count every pitch, practice included, and these 30 count toward today's total; follow your league limits, play another position on rest days, and stop if your shoulder, elbow or back hurts.
Make it fun
Play it, don't drill it
Challenge
Pick a target: Less (large), Core (medium), More (small). Keep to your usual pitch count and compare only your own accuracy.
Story
You are the ace painting the corners of the plate.
My best
Beat your own count
Keep to your usual pitch count and compare only your own accuracy. Only your own number counts: today against last time.
Practice makes progress
Print it now, or save it free
Free for families and teams
Save this drill to your child or team, free
Sign up and the free softball week for this age opens in your child's planner, kept to healthy limits. A coach can send this drill to the whole team as homework, and parents see every session logged.
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