Softball Throwing For Beginners: Infield Footwork

The crowhop is one of the most important but overlooked aspects of throwing mechanics for softball players. Beginner fielding technique and footwork is essential. Without good footwork, a player cannot use the hips and core correctly. In this article we’ll cover the basics for beginners; master good footwork and set the stage for better softball throwing mechanics. 

The Infield Crowhop: Softball Footwork for Beginners that Makes a Huge Difference

Having worked with many softball players over the years, I’ve seen a major correlation between how well a player moves through the ball, and how hard they throw: 

Players who charge balls, exhibit proper footwork and maintain their momentum after fielding the ball tend to throw significantly better than those who do not.

In short, what this means is that the technique with which a softball player fields the ball–and the footwork they use–plays a major role in a player’s throwing potential. 

A Good Crowhop + Momentum + = Better Throwing

Especially for beginners, crowhop footwork is the foundation for everything else you’ll hear from me or any other throwing coach. So without further ado, check out the video below to learn the basics.

Beginner softball players should practice the crowhop over and over until it’s second-nature, and then use it while taking slow rollers and ground balls.

Players who are learning or improving their footwork will see an immediate improvement in their throwing accuracy and velocity. Give it a shot and develop good muscles memory! 

Need to Throw Harder?

If you’re interested in throwing harder from the field (I specialized in teaching softball players how to throw harder overhand) download my free eBook.

I also offer an extensive online course on throwing that will help any player gain miles per hour and accuracy on her throws. It’s called She’s Got a Cannon and it’s an amazing step-by-step resource for players, parents and coaches.

Good luck this season! – Dan