I have had the opportunity to attend many different softball pitching clinics through the years. As a pitcher myself and also as an instructor, I have seen average clinics and excellent clinics. Some of the down falls to pitching clinics are in the organizational process. If there is six hours set aside for pitching, and all six hours require a pitcher to pitch, this can obviously be a hazard to the arm of the pitcher. Not even a bag of ice at the end of the day will be able to save a pitchers arm with that amount of pitching repetitions.

Another common error is the way softball pitching clinics don’t take into account the catching situation. Quite often the number of pitchers out weighs the number of catchers in a clinic. It is also unreasonable to expect the catchers to spend their clinic experience catching for pitchers. However that can be effective at the end to put the knowledge the catchers have gained into action. So who catches for the pitchers? Probably the worst option is to have the pitchers catch for one another. That can turn dangerous quickly due to the pitchers inexperience in catching. The positive side of using this format is its the most efficient means of pitching.

Well, find a clinic that has gone out of their way to get pitching nets or at least use a fence. This gives a pitcher a set target and is a good way to train. However, they need plenty of softballs to throw and will need to retrieve them after they’ve thrown them all.

Many of the better softball pitching clinics I have attended use variety in managing the time scheduled. The warm up is a good example which is very important for safety reasons. Taking breaks in between learning different concepts will allow for better understanding. Breaks are very important for taking pressure off a pitchers arm. Water and snack breaks must be planned as well to keep players properly hydrated.

I have been involved in a softball pitching clinic where the campers have been able to take home quality information to help them to continue to improve. Such as a side by side video of the campers pitching form compared to a professional pitchers form. The campers were also given a personalized booklet with skills and drills for the pitcher to look back on.

Keep in mind, a softball pitching clinic can help improve any pitcher, but most of the time; they are their own pitching coach.