The slo-pitch delivery is the heart of the game, designed to create hittable pitches while adhering to strict rules regarding height and trajectory. A legal, effective slow pitch is one that forces the batter to swing at a disadvantageous angle.
Legal Requirements (The Arc)
All leagues enforce a specific arc requirement to qualify a pitch as legal:
- Minimum Height: The ball must typically reach a height of at least 6 feet above the ground after leaving the hand.
- Maximum Height: The ball usually cannot exceed a maximum height of 10 to 12 feet (check local league rules).
- Delivery: The pitch must be delivered underhand, with a perceptible slow speed. Throwing too hard or too flat is an illegal pitch (a ball).
Mastering the Release
Achieving the correct arc is all about the release point.
- Full Windmill (Optional): Many pitchers use a full windmill motion to create consistent rotation, but the pitch must slow down dramatically before release.
- The Snap: The final wrist snap should be upwards, imparting backspin on the ball. Backspin helps stabilize the pitch and ensures it comes down into the strike zone effectively.
Strategic Pitching
Even a slow pitch requires strategy to keep the batter off balance:
- Location: While speed isn't a factor, location is. Mix pitches on the inside and outside edges of the plate.
- The "Hanger": A pitch that peaks at the maximum height and then drops directly over the plate is extremely difficult to hit squarely, forcing the batter to swing down. Aim for this peak arc consistently.
