Slingshot Wind-Up
Also known as: sling shot
The slingshot wind-up is a simplified fast-pitch delivery in which the pitcher raises the arm straight back to about shoulder height in a single motion, then brings it forward through just one pass of the arm circle before release.
Compared to a full windmill that completes a full 360-degree circle, the slingshot uses roughly half a circle. This means back and then forward in one pass. This means making it the most common starting delivery taught to beginners. This is because it has fewer moving parts to sequence correctly. It sacrifices some of the momentum-building benefit of a full windmill circle. As a result, pitchers typically transition to the full windmill as they add strength and want more velocity, though some pitchers keep a slingshot-style delivery even at higher levels for its simplicity and control.
Master the slingshot's timing and balance first — it is the foundation that makes learning the full windmill circle easier later.
Example
The beginner pitcher raises her arm straight back to shoulder height, then brings it forward in one smooth pass to release. This means no full circle, just the essential back-and-forward motion.
How it shows up on video
Compare the arm path to a full windmill. This means a slingshot arm goes back once and comes forward once, without a complete 360-degree loop. This makes it visually distinguishable even at a glance.
Common mistakes
- Sticking with the slingshot long after strength and coordination would support the added velocity of a full windmill
- Rushing the backward raise, losing the controlled load that gives the forward pass its power
Frequently asked questions
Is the slingshot wind-up only for beginners?
It is most common as a teaching progression for beginners, but some pitchers keep a simplified delivery at higher levels if it produces reliable control.
Does the slingshot generate less velocity than the full windmill?
Generally yes, because it uses less of the arm circle to build momentum, though strong leg drive can partially offset the difference.
Related terms
- WindmillThe windmill is the underhand fast-pitch delivery in which the arm makes a full 360° circle before release, generating the velocity and movement-pitch deception that define the game.
- Figure-8 Wind-UpThe figure-8 wind-up is a distinct legal fast-pitch delivery style in which the pitching arm swings the ball down past the hip, back behind the body, and forward through release, tracing a figure-eight. This means the ball never travels over the head as it does in the windmill circle.
- Arm CircleThe arm circle is the full 360° rotation of the pitching arm around the shoulder joint that defines the fast-pitch windmill delivery and stores elastic energy for release.
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