How to Throw a Knuckleball in Slow-Pitch Softball

The knuckleball has always been one of the most difficult pitches to hit in the game of baseball. Many people do not even realize that it can be equally difficult in slow-pitch softball. The erratic and gyrating movements of the ball are just as diverting and frustrating to softball hitters as it can be for baseball hitters. It is also one of the easiest pitches to master in slow-pitch softball. Like in baseball, the hard part is learning to throw it for strikes. Here is a guide on how to throw the knuckleball in slow-pitch softball with success.

The first thing you need to understand is that the knuckleball is not intended as an every count pitch. When you are ahead in the count, the slow-pitch knuckleball is perfect. Occasionally a slow-pitch softball pitcher will throw a knuckleball early in the count, but this is only advised when you have pinpoint control on your regular pitches. The primary job of a softball pitcher is to throw strikes and allow his defense to make a play on the ball. Do not throw repeated knuckleballs or the opposition will simply let them float out of the strike zone.

Throwing the pitch itself is much like when you throw it in baseball. You will need to grip the softball with the fingernails of your pitching hand, preferably on the seams of the ball. Some knuckleball pitchers will grib the hide of the ball with their fingers, but it takes great practice to master this. Starting out, you will do just fine by holding the ball with your fingernails on the seams as they are easy to grip.

Next you will wind the ball back with your pitching arm and bring it forward with the same amount of speed as your normal pitches. When you bring your arm forward you will then simply release the ball with no spin. This is accomplished by opening your hand and literally shot-putting the ball through the air. This is a feeling and not something that can be described in detail. With repeated practice you will eventually get the desired effect. Practice until you get it right, and then repeat what you did for success.

How will you know when you throw the perfect slow-pitch softball? The ball will have very little spin, and it will dance in the air back and forth or up and down. A good knuckleball will not do the same thing twice. The result is usually a swing and a miss, or a pop fly to the infield or short outfield. Like all great pitches, the knuckleball can be mastered with simple practice and repetition.