| The game of softball is often confused with the | | | | equipment with respect to the pitcher is the ball |
| game of baseball and many are often lead to | | | | and the gloves. |
| believe that if one plays baseball one can play | | | | However, there is fast-pitch softball also known |
| softball too. Before one discusses what softball | | | | as fast pitch or just fastpitch. This term refers to |
| pitching is all about it would be worth while to just | | | | a form of softball played by women, though male |
| have a glimpse of some of the differences. | | | | and mixed fast pitch leagues also exist. They |
| Softball as a game has its roots in the game of | | | | commonly start at the age of 6 and play it |
| baseball. In softball the numbers of innings are | | | | through the college. The International Softball |
| limited to seven; the ball is thrown underhand and | | | | Federation recognizes three pitch speeds: fast |
| played on a smaller ground. The game of softball | | | | pitch, medium pitch and slow pitch. The fast pitch |
| has been attributed to George Hancock and since | | | | is considered as the most competitive form of |
| then this game has become increasingly popular. | | | | softball. This form of softball was played in |
| Today it is played in countries all over the world. | | | | Olympic Games from 1996 till 2008. |
| Pitching a softball requires quite a bit of practice. | | | | Softball equipment helps a player to perform at |
| It's not just about throwing the ball but instead | | | | the highest level possible. It is important that bats, |
| requires proper hand and body coordination | | | | gloves, cleats, apparel and more, are top notch in |
| before the ball is pitched. | | | | performance, quality, and durability at an |
| The whole idea of softball pitching concentrates | | | | affordable price. Nokona as a main manufacturer |
| around the pitchers body position with respect to | | | | of softball equipment offers great quality and |
| the pitchers plate, the gripping of the ball in the | | | | affordable prices. They make bat bags, softball |
| hand and the proper positioning of the foot. A full | | | | knee leg guards, catcher gear and accessories |
| understanding of these positions will help a softball | | | | (such as Nokona wrist saver, Nokona palm saver, |
| pitcher perform better. | | | | Nokona classic glove conditioner, leather lacings, |
| While pitching a softball the weak foot is usually | | | | leather bags, NGM Nokona glove mallet). |
| placed at the end of the back of the pitch plate | | | | Nokona athletic company provides softball players |
| with the feet placed apart at around shoulder | | | | with quality gloves. They come in following series, |
| length. The arms are kept at the sides and the | | | | Buffalo. Buckaroo, Classic Combo and Walnut |
| back heel is lifted in the air. This gives more | | | | Classic. They also use a wide range of materials |
| strength to the front foot and greater balance. | | | | to get the best results. Therefore, Buffalo and |
| The weight can be shifted to the back by rocking | | | | Classic Combo are made of American range |
| the arms in a backward position. The arm is now | | | | bison, the leather which provides soft and sturdy |
| brought forward with the ball in the glove such | | | | at the same time. More over, Buckaroo is |
| that the ball remains hidden from the batter. | | | | combination of kangaroo and cowhides to form |
| Rotating the ball in the air in the vertical direction | | | | lightweight gloves. At last, but not least important |
| and moving it in a circle the ball is released from | | | | Nokona built its reputation on famous Walnut |
| the hip position. The action finishes by looking at | | | | 'crunch' leather. For fastpitch, in their rich array |
| the direction of the catcher. This is the essence | | | | they included series such are Catcher's mitts, Elite |
| of softball pitching where the main softball | | | | and Youth. |