Understanding how to call pitches in softball is essential to your team’s success on the field. It requires an understanding of strategy, knowledge of different softball pitch types, dedication to scouting, feel for the game, and defined process. 

Whether you’re new to softball coaching with your first youth team or an experienced college coach looking to adapt your current approach, this resource aims to provide a comprehensive overview of how to call pitches in softball.

As you read GoRout’s guide to softball pitch calling, expect to learn about the following: 

• What pitch calling in softball is 
• How softball pitch calling works 
• Why understanding how to call softball pitches is important 
• Communications systems to call pitches in softball
• The evolution of calling pitches in softball
• How to call pitchers in softball (using a 5 step strategy)
• Sports tech innovation for pitch calling
• Tips for implementing technology into softball pitch calling, and 
• FAQs on softball pitch calling strategy 

What Is Pitch Calling in Softball?

Pitch calling in softball is the act of selecting the type and location for each pitch, and relaying that decision to the pitcher and catcher. Each pitch, someone (typically the coach, catcher, or pitcher) decides what to throw and where based on numerous factors. Once the decision is made, a sign exchange occurs that involves the catcher signaling and the pitcher accepting or shaking off the call. 

If the coach holds pitch calling responsibilities, they signal the call to the catcher using a different set of signals than the one the catcher gives the pitcher or via electronic pitch calling device. The pitcher can shake off a pitch if they lack confidence in it during an at-bat or when it’s been called for them. 

How Does Calling Pitches in Softball Work?

Calling pitches in softball requires a collaborative process between the catcher and pitcher, along with one or more coaches. It’s a responsibility typically handled by the manager or pitching coach in lower levels of play. Advanced leagues like college and professional-level competition often entrust pitch calling responsibilities to the catcher and/or pitcher.  

This resource focuses on how to call pitches in softball, which is technically a single task. But pitch calling in softball comprises two distinct components: strategy and process. Later on, we’ll combine the two in a step-by-step breakdown on calling pitches in softball. 

For now, let’s take a deeper dive into the two components of softball pitch calling. 

Softball Pitch Calling Strategy

Softball pitch calling strategy is the game plan a team develops, consisting of the types of pitches and locations to call in various situations, based on their strengths and the opposing team’s weaknesses. It involves scouting, data analysis, research, and planning to inform the way a game is called, both at a high-level and tactically, pitch-by-pitch. 

Softball coaching involves knowing the game’s ins and outs, including strategically calling pitches or helping the catcher and pitcher navigate the gameplan (if pitch calling duties belong to the catcher and/or pitcher). Aggressive, informed pitch calling encourages softball pitchers to lean on their strengths while exploiting opposing batters’ weaknesses. 

How to Develop a Pitch Calling Strategy in Softball

Effective pitch calling strategy involves choosing and sequencing the right pitches to keep hitters off balance and guessing. While that sounds straightforward, it requires a significant amount of preparation and analysis to inform decisions. 

Components of Pitch Calling Strategy

Depending on the level of play, coaches and/or players may take part in any of the following tasks to prepare the pitch calling strategy for any given opponent: 

• Statistical analysis (self-scout) 
• Video analysis (self-scout) 
• Statistical analysis (opponent) 
• Video analysis (opponent) 
• In-person scouting
• Game plan meeting
• Pre-game touch base
• Continual in-game communication 

Task	How It Helps Strategy	Examples
Statistical analysis (self-scout)	Reviewing stats from previous games and practices helps analyze past performance. Through the analysis, teams and pitchers identify strengths to double down on and weaknesses to avoid or work on in practice.	Box scores and scorebook sheets Spray charts Pitch intent vs. result charts Strike zone maps Other softball pitching charts
Video analysis (self-scout)	Watching video footage of previous games and bullpen sessions allows coaches and players to analyze past performances visually. This helps identify mechanical issues to work on, specific pitches and locations that have successful outcomes, and any other issues or tendencies.	Reviewing game and bullpen video footage to assess mechanics and form Watching game film to review the end result of each pitch
Statistical analysis (opponent)	Reviewing stats from the opposing team’s previous games to analyze past performance helps identify their weaknesses to attack and any tendencies throughout their lineup.	Box scores and scorebook sheets Spray charts Other offensive charts or visuals
Video analysis (opponent)	Watching video footage of previous games helps analyze the opposing team’s past performances and identify any tendencies or weaknesses to attack.	Reviewing previous game footage to analyze each batter on the opposing team’s roster
In-person scouting	Attending an upcoming opponent’s game in person to watch them play and analyze their performance in real-time.	Charting each at-bat  Looking for specific types of pitches, locations, or scenarios where certain opposing players struggle or excel Watching body language and mental strength of each opposing player
Game plan meeting	Gathering groups of relevant players and coaches to review findings from scouting, research, and analysis, and develop a strategic gameplan for the specific opponent.	Coaches-only meeting to establish a core strategy using their expertise and knowledge  Players-only meetings where catchers and pitchers discuss their findings  Coaches and players meeting collaboratively to solidify a strategy
Pre-game touchbase	Sometime before the game, coaches and players meet to review the game plan and make any adjustments based on how the pitcher is feeling.	Reviewing the core components of the pitch calling strategy before warming up  Adjusting game plans based on how the pitcher feels after their bullpen session
Continual in-game communication	Throughout the game, coaches and players must remain in contact as elements change and relief pitchers enter the game (if needed).	Mound visits to adjust strategy mid at-bat Meetings between innings to check in and touch base Discussing specific game plans with relief pitchers who may have slightly different approaches than the starting pitcher

Process for Calling Pitches in Softball

The process for calling pitches in softball involves developing a system to relay each individual pitch call from the decision-maker to the pitcher. Coaches typically establish the process and serve as the decision-maker, though more advanced levels of play hand pitch calling duties over to the catcher and/or pitcher.

Establishing and defining a specific process for selecting and relaying pitch calls in softball includes:

• Appointing the final decision maker in selecting pitches 
• Creating a signal system for coaches to relay pitch calls to catchers
• Developing a separate signal system for catchers to relay pitch calls to pitchers 
• Determining what level of control pitchers have to shake off calls 

Together, the preparation of strategy and planning of a process creates a clear system for communication pitch calls. 

Why Is Understanding How To Call Pitches in Softball Important?

Understanding how to call pitches gives your team the best chance of success, because there’s a purpose behind each pitch and you’re not just calling random ones with no context or reasoning. 

Here are a few other reasons why it’s so important to have an informed pitch calling strategy:

• Maximize your pitcher’s strengths. An informed strategy accounts, first and foremost, for your pitcher’s strengths. Regardless of the opponent, if you lean on your pitcher’s strengths they’re more likely to feel comfortable and confident in their execution. 
• Attack your opponent’s weaknesses. Calling specific pitches to expose an opponent’s weaknesses is a product of scouting and game planning to give your team the best chance at success. 
• Leverage knowledge and experience. Informed pitch calling requires extensive knowledge and experience of the game. These qualities provide the intuition to understand what pitch is best to call in any given circumstance, without slowing down the game or hurting your pitchers rhythm. 
• Establish a rhythm. When you understand how to call pitches, it takes less time to relay the call from you to the pitcher. That keeps the game flowing and the pitcher in their rhythm, which is key to an effective performance. 
• Help players understand the process. Coaching is about teaching, and understanding how to call pitches in softball is a skillset that you should transfer to players as soon as you trust them. When youth coaches trust and challenge their players to call pitches, players learn on the fly and will be more prepared when they reach higher levels of play. Encourage your girls to pay close attention to the why behind each pitch selection.

What Does It Take To Be Effective at Softball Pitch Calling?

There are a few key qualities commonly found amongst effective softball pitch callers: 

• Extensive experience as either a softball pitcher or catcher, with knowledge of what pitches work best in which counts
• An understanding of game flow, and how each pitch builds off of the previous and sets up the next
• The ability to account for multiple streams of information, including your team’s strengths, opponent’s tendencies, the game situation, and your pre-determined strategy. 
• Reading and comprehending certain stats in scouting and how they impact your game plan 
• Non-quantitative feel for the game, where you can evaluate a hitter and understand where they look least comfortable on any given day.
• A sound understanding of situational softball 

Communication Systems to Call Pitches in Softball

Traditional Systems

In traditional pitch calling, the catcher signals the pitch type and location to the pitcher. This involves using fingers, a touch system, or body positioning to convey pitch type and location.

The catcher may use finger signs to indicate pitch types, like a fastball, changeup, rise ball, or drop ball, followed by a specific location within or around the strike zone. 

These signs are pre-arranged amongst coaches, pitchers, and catchers before the game, and may be adjusted based on the game situation and tendencies of opposing hitters.

The pitcher closely observes and interprets the catcher’s signs, which requires high concentration, trust and familiarity between the pitcher and catcher, and understanding when to step off and regroup.

While it can be hard to imagine a world without pitch calling technology, traditional systems still have a purpose depending on the situation or league restrictions.

Technology-Based Systems 

Electronic softball communication devices leverage technology to digitally deliver pitch calls via WiFi or cellular network, establishing a system for calling pitches. Some tech systems use digital bands that players wear on their wrist, while others use ear-pieces and other technology.

These systems include softball coaching apps enabling coaches to upload pitch calls before the game. Players wear a device that receives the call electronically, reducing the risk of miscommunication and sign stealing. 

The Evolution of Calling Pitches in Softball

Technological innovation, strategic refinement, and a deeper understanding of player dynamics have led to an evolution in softball pitch calling.

Traditional catcher-pitcher communication with physical signals transitioned to modern data-driven analytics and specialized training. From video analysis programs to electronic pitch calling wristbands, technology continues to transform the process in softball.

Coaches and teams are empowered to make more informed decisions, tailor strategies to individual opponents, and optimize sequences based on the strengths and weaknesses of specific pitchers.

The shift from intuition-based to data-driven decisions

With advancements in technology, such as pitch tracking systems and data analytics, coaches can access real-time detailed metrics on pitch speed, spin rate, movement, and location. 

This information helps coaches make more informed decisions based on objective data, rather than settling for subjective observations alone.

Softball coaches use data from technological innovations to analyze the habits and performance of the other team against specific pitch types. They can then develop a personalized approach to take advantage of weaknesses and help pitchers stay ahead in the count.

That doesn’t mean they rely solely on data. Intuition and feel remain important to a modern softball pitch calling strategy, regardless of technology. 

How to Call Pitches in Softball: A 5 Step Strategy

Now that we’ve covered the foundational information, it’s time to learn how to call pitches in softball. 

We’ve broken down the process in 5 essential steps for a softball pitch calling strategy to set up your team, and pitchers in particular,  for success on the diamond: 

1. Develop a strategic game plan capitalizing on your strengths and attacking the opponents weaknesses
2. Determine your team’s process for calling pitches
3. Have a pre-game check-in
4. Call the game using your pre-determined system
5. Make adjustments as the game dictates

We’ll also provide a few tips, within each respective step, on how to approach calling pitches for youth softball, as well as more advanced levels of play like high school, college, and professional leagues. 

1. Develop a strategic game plan capitalizing on your strengths and attacking the opponent’s weaknesses

The first step in calling pitches for any given softball game is preparing a strategic plan of attack based on your pitchers’ strengths and opponent’s weaknesses. 

All coaches and players who contribute to pitch calling should spend time reviewing stats and watching video of both your team and the opposing team, analyzing your own past performances and scouting the opponent’s. 

After independent analysis, coaches and players can collaborate through a slate of meetings to share information, opinions, and ideas, developing a clearly defined game plan. Use the range of perspectives to collectively brainstorm a strategy that maximizes the impact of your strengths and targets your opponent’s weaknesses.

In youth leagues where a coaches job focuses on fun and development, the strategy is almost entirely focused on growing your pitcher’s strengths and building upon their weaknesses. Teams don’t have the resources to scout opponents at the youth level, and the only strategy players need to worry about are basic situational decisions. 

In the subsections below, we’ve provided a few general tips and things to consider for pitch calling strategy, as well as youth-specific tips and more advanced ones. 

General tips for developing a pitch calling strategy 

• Know your pitcher’s strengths. Charting pitches in practices and games helps you become familiar with each pitcher’s strengths on your team.  
• Throw strikes early to get ahead in the count. When pitchers get ahead in the count, they can be more aggressive in attacking batters forced to protect the plate. If the pitcher falls behind, it gives the batter an upper hand to be more selective in what they swing at. 
• Don’t throw too many strikes. While you want to attack the zone, throwing too many strikes within hittable zones doesn’t challenge the batter. Make them work for it by stretching the zone. A pitch that isn’t a strike is not always wasted. 
• When ahead in the count, attack the edges. Once you have a batter on their heels, attacking the edges blurs the line between strikes and balls. Since they have to swing at anything close and protect, batters are more likely to chase a pitch outside the zone when they’re behind in the count. 
• Don’t be afraid to use offspeed pitches early in the count. While it’s common to expect a first-pitch fastball, starting at bats with offspeed pitches can catch batters off guard and get them to chase a pitch they didn’t want to swing at. As long as you trust your pitcher’s offspeed command, let it loose on the first few pitches of an at bat.

Tips for developing pitch calling strategy in youth softball

• Set a specific approach for consistent, quality opposing batters. These players typically sit between position 1 and 5 in the batting order, with exceptional contact or power hitting abilities, or a combination of both. 
  • Aim for low and outside locations early in the count, because that’s often the most difficult place to make solid contact. Quality hitters are less likely to swing at a low and away pitch early in the count, because they’re looking for a pitch they can drive. 
  • Start with offspeed pitches to get batters to chase, or sit on the pitch because it’s not what they’re expecting or desiring. 
  • Always mix up your pitch sequence so there’s no set pattern, which can be decoded and exposed by a quality hitter. 
  • If you’re ahead in the count, aim for a pitch outside the zone but close enough that the batter may chase. Often high or outside are good locations to aim for, since those are the areas where, if they make contact, batters are less likely to hit the ball hard. 
• Avoid throwing power hitters fastballs in the zone. Fastballs in hittable zones turn power hitters into kids in a candy shop. Avoid it. 
  • Keep the ball low and try to throw as many off speed pitches as possible. A lot of off speed pitches keeps them off balance.
  • If your pitcher doesn’t have an offspeed pitch, like a changeup or curve, emphasize keeping the fastball low in the zone. 
  • Throw inside pitches to set up outside and/or offspeed pitches. Power hitters often pull inside pitches foul, even if it goes the distance of a home run. At the end of the day, that’s just a long strike. A long foul ball often creates an overzealous power hitter that’s more likely to swing and miss or make weak contact on a pitch outside and/or offspeed. 
  • A walk is always better than a home run, so you’d rather aim for the edges and miss than make a mistake in the middle of the zone. 
• Overpower weak hitters. Don’t mess around when you know your pitcher is significantly more talented than the opposing batter. Blow the ball by them and don’t worry about getting pretty, painting the corners. 
• Pitch to the batter’s stance. If the batter stands close to the play, throw inside to back them off or force them to hit a difficult pitch. When the batter is far away from home plate in the box, throw outside and make them prove they can reach it. 

Tips for developing pitch calling strategy in high school, college, and professional softball 

• Take note of any notable trends or tendencies, positive or negative, in your self-assessment. This can range anywhere from a particular pitch consistently overpowering or fooling batters to giving away certain types of pitches through inconsistencies in the throwing motion.  
• When scouting opponents, highlight and focus on players that consistently make a positive impact at the plate. It’s important to review the roster in its entirety, but identifying.
• Chart batting and hitting average of opponents. Batting average is the number of hits divided by the number of at-bats, while hitting average is the number of times a hitter makes contact with the ball in any of the nine sections of the strike zone. While reviewing film or in-person scouting, physically chart every pitch using the nine zones. This data gives you an idea of each player’s ability to hit the ball within each section of the strike zone. It can also help provide insight into the opposing team’s overarching approach at the plate.  

2. Determine your team’s process for calling pitches

After developing a strategy, determine and define specific steps for how your softball team calls pitches. Establishing your team’s process (or system) for calling pitches creates a clear, concise line of communication from decision through delivery.

Every program develops a unique process to fit their needs and preferences. Your team’s specific process may depend on several factors, including: 

• Age and experience level
• Coaching staff (experience and trust) 
• Player communication preferences 
• Technology and other coaching tools accessible to your program

How to Develop a Process for Calling Pitches in Softball

Strategy and process are entirely different. While we’re talking about strategy at a higher level, developing a process is a more granular step helping maximize the effectiveness of your strategy. 

Here are 6 steps to develop a softball pitch calling process:

1. Determine and define roles and responsibilities 
2. Establish a flow from decision through delivery 
3. Research and select technological tools 
4. Create signal systems 
5. Review your process in a bullpen setting 
6. Adjust as you see fit

1. Determine and define roles and responsibilities 

Determining and defining roles and responsibilities for all individuals involved is the first step in developing your softball team’s process for calling pitches. Gather all coaches involved in the pitch calling, or significantly involved with pitchers and/or catchers, and collectively define everyone’s place in the process. 

There are a few key responsibilities to consider including: 

• Pre-game scouting and strategy: Pick the coaches and players you want to collaborate on the scouting and creation of a game plan. 
• Final decision maker: Identify the coach, or player, who holds final decision making power for calling pitches on game day. 
• Catcher/pitcher power dynamic: Depending on the level of play and trust in your players, decide whether the pitcher or catcher has power to shake off pitch calls. 

2. Establish a flow from decision through delivery 

After defining roles and responsibilities, you should establish a flow of communication from deciding which pitch to call through the pitcher’s delivery. 

This is dependent on several factors, including but not limited to: 

• Who makes the final decision on pitch calls
• Whether you incorporate pitch calling technology or use physical signals 
• What power the pitcher and/or catcher has to shake off or adjust the original call

3. Research and select technological tools

If you’re considering technology or other digital softball coaching tools for your pitch calling process, it’s helpful to conduct thorough research on all options. Even if you’re hesitant to incorporate technology, researching options and their benefits may sway your decision or confirm your preference for traditional physical signals. 

Here’s a simple 5-step process for researching and selecting softball pitch calling devices: 

1. Create a list of the features and capabilities most important to you and your program
2. Research different options and providers, establishing a short list of ones that pique your interest or match criteria 
   1. When researching, it’s beneficial to use a spreadsheet or free-hand list to make notes on each option. 
3. Review your final short list of options, comparing the pros and cons of each
4. Meet with any other stakeholders (athletic directors, assistant coaches, pitchers, catchers, etc.) who have any part of the pitch calling process or budgeting for technology to do so. 
   1. Discuss your findings and prepare a pitch to get everyone on-board for the option you feel is best for your team 
5. Make a final decision and invest in the softball pitch calling system of your choice

4. Create signal systems

Once you’ve determined your method for calling pitches, create signal systems to communicate calls to the pitcher. This can be as simple or easy as you make it, though complexity often increases with experience and skill-level. 

A couple of factors play a role in how you’ll develop signal systems, including: 

• Who makes the final pitch selection 
• How many steps does it take to get the call to the pitcher (if the coach calls pitches, they often have a separate signal system for the catcher than the catcher uses for the pitcher) 
• Whether you incorporate pitch calling technology 

Tips for creating physical pitch calling signals in softball

Teams avoiding technology must develop logical and discreet physical signal systems. To do so, consider the following advice: 

• Catcher-to-pitcher signal systems typically consist of the catcher holding down a number of fingers in between their legs, with each number of fingers indicating a specific pitch. The catcher uses their legs and glove to conceal the call and prevent sign stealing.
• With runners on second base, it’s beneficial to create a more complex finger and/or hand signal for the catcher to communicate the call to their pitcher. That way, they don’t give away signs to the opposing team via the runner on second.
• Coaches who deliver calls to catchers often use a sequence of indicators, with specific guidelines for which indicator is the actual call. This helps conceal the calls from the opposing team. 
  • An example would be using a combination of touches to the nose, chin, ears, and/or forehead as indicators, with the third in a series of five indicators serving as the actual pitch call. If a coach determines that the left ear is a changeup  and delivers a sequence of nose, chin, left ear, chin, right ear using the third indicator as the actual call, the left ear changeup indicator would be the choice. 
• Designing a numbered wristband code system, with paper or other non-technology based wristbands, can reduce miscommunication in communication calls from coach to catcher. 

5. Review your process in a bullpen setting

Once you set your process in stone, test it in a bullpen setting to ensure it’s as efficient and concise as possible. Overloading players with complex systems may lead to more issues in communication. It’s better to find that out in a low-stakes bullpen session than a game that matters for the standings. 

After deeming the process effective, take it to an inter-squad scrimmage setting. This bridges the gap between bullpen and a meaningful game, while testing the security of the process from the dugout.

6. Adjust as you see fit 

When you get to in-game scenarios, or within the bullpen/scrimmage setting, monitor the effectiveness of your process and adjust it accordingly. This can be over the duration of a season, between games, within the same game, or within one practice. 

Some examples of adjustments may include: 

• Transferring decision-making responsibilities back to the coach from the catcher and pitcher 
• Removing the pitcher’s ability to shake off pitch calls (or giving them additional agency to shake off, if you trust them and think they have a better feel for the game flow)
• Adjusting which pitch pairs with each number of fingers (or indicator), especially if you feel the opposing team caught on to your system 

3. Have a pre-game check-in 

As your team arrives and warms up for each game, have a pre-game check-in regarding the pitch calling process with whichever team members you feel necessary. Some coaches prefer to check in with the pitcher and catcher alone, while others have a larger group of individuals that participate in the process. 

This is a time to review signals and the game plan, ensuring everyone is on the same page to avoid any misunderstandings or miscommunication. 

4. Call the game using your pre-determined system

Come game time, call pitches using your predetermined process and/or system. This is as straightforward as it gets. You’ve put the work in with the aforementioned steps, so you don’t have to think when calling pitches during meaningful games.

If you’ve invested in technology, use it to send your calls. Teams that don’t incorporate pitch calling watches or technology should follow their physical signal system. 

For each call, the catcher sets a respective target for the pitcher to assist them in executing the pitch to the desired spot.

5. Make adjustments as the game dictates 

As the innings progress, you may need to adjust your pitch calling process and strategy to accommodate any communication lapses, tendencies missed in prep and scouting, opponent sign stealing, or other roadblocks. 

Coaches can control the game flow by varying pitch types, speeds, and locations outside of the pre-determined strategy. That keeps batters off balance and prevents them from settling into a rhythm if they’ve caught on to your signals or your strategy isn’t fooling them at the plate. 

Other reasons to adjust your softball pitch calling process or strategy in-game include:

• The umpire’s strike zone 
• Pitchers struggling with specific pitches
• Specific runners on base 
• Other game situations, including the score, inning, and count

The catcher must also read the batters’ adjustments to inform pitch calling throughout the game, working with to keep coaches and players updated with any new insight.

Post game, whether immediately after or in the following days, review your performance as a pitch caller and consider if any adjustments are required to the overall process.

Sports Tech Innovations for Calling Pitches

Sports tech innovations have transformed into softball coaching essentials, tools that help teams win more games and have successful seasons. These innovations improve the accuracy and effectiveness of pitch calling, helping coaches and players make more informed decisions.

Wearable tech and pitch-tracking systems

Wearable technology in sports, such as accelerometers and gyroscope sensors, can be attached to a pitcher’s body to track arm speed, release point consistency and biomechanical efficiency. This data helps identify areas for improvement and reduces the risk of player injury.

Pitch-tracking systems monitor pitch velocity, movement and location in real-time. Softball coaches can use this information to make data-driven decisions about pitch selection, sequencing and placement in their pitching strategy.

Software solutions for real-time data analysis

Real-time softball pitching analysis software captures and analyzes pitch velocity, movement and location data during games or practice sessions. Coaches can use this real-time feedback to adjust pitch selection and placement on the fly, helping their pitchers succeed.

Integration of video analysis tools in pitch strategy

Video analysis makes it easy to identify patterns in opposing batters’ swings, recognize a pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses, and develop targeted pitching strategies for pitchers to throw more strikes.

Coaches use video analytics to assess mechanics, release points, and pitch movement while pinpointing areas for improvement and refinement. They tailor pitch selection, sequencing, and placement to get the win during games.

Coach-to-player communication systems

Coach-to-player communication systems in softball allow coaches to communicate with their team before every pitch.

Using apps for softball coaches and digital devices to call pitches reduces confusing hand signals. This pitch calling system eliminates sign stealing and boosts confidence among softball teams.

Conclusion

Pitch calling in softball is an essential process to establish at the beginning of the season, as it dictates how your program operates from day one. After all, pitchers are one of (if not the) most important softball positions. We hope this resource provides a valuable and comprehensive guide on how to call pitches in softball effectively and efficiently. 

While the process is similar between softball vs baseball, there are key differences. Variance in the types of softball pitches vs. baseball pitches, along with a different motion, shorter field, and other factors, mean softball coaches have to approach calling pitches differently than baseball coaches. An MLB coach may struggle to call a softball game, while softball coaches could get lost calling baseball games.

Feel free to bookmark this page and return to it as a resource to adjust your pitch calling process, or simply remind you why you established yours a certain way in the first place. 

FAQs on How to Call Pitches in Softball

What is the best way to call pitches?

The best way to call pitches strategically is to base calls on the pitcher’s strengths and opponent’s weaknesses. Rely on what the pitcher feels most comfortable with on any given day, instead of prioritizing attacking opponent weaknesses.

How do you call pitches as a softball catcher?

A softball catcher calls pitches by using their fingers. Different teams use different finger combinations to indicate specific pitches. 

For example: 

• 1 finger = fastball
• 2 fingers = drop ball 
• 3 fingers = rise ball
• Fist = changeup

Then, they touch their leg on the side or direction they want the ball thrown. They must know the count and encourage the pitcher to throw a ball that ends with a strike for the batter.

How do I know what pitch to call?

The game’s situation, hitter tendencies, pitcher strengths, and other factors all play into knowing what pitch to call in any given situation.  

It’s important that you prepare a game plan ahead of time, but understand the feel of the game and make adjustment accordingly.