I’ve been watching a lot of high school and college softball over the years. Mostly because my daughter plays. One thing I noticed is that teams will rely on one dominant pitcher and not develop a pitching staff. I know that pitchers are hard to obtain, and it’s a tough skill, but you are running the risk of long term injury for your pitcher. In the short term, you may have a setback when your team is facing a tough game and your star slinger is sidelined.
The idea that fastpitch softball pitching is easier on the arm and shoulder than overhand baseball pitching has been a widely held belief, especially among coaches and parents. This is largely because the underhanded windmill motion used in softball is often seen as more “natural.” However, recent research and long-term observational studies are challenging this narrative.
What the Evidence Says
1. Biomechanics: Not Necessarily Easier
- Underhand windmill pitching still places significant stress on the shoulder, elbow, and wrist.
- Studies using motion capture and force analysis (e.g., University of Michigan, ASMI) have shown that peak shoulder torque in softball pitchers is comparable to that experienced by baseball pitchers—just in different parts of the throwing cycle.
- Softball pitchers often throw hundreds of pitches in a weekend, especially at the travel or collegiate level. This volume can lead to overuse injuries just like in baseball.
2. Injury Patterns: Different, Not Less
- Softball pitchers tend to experience:
- Biceps tendinopathy
- Shoulder impingement
- Labral tears
- Lower back pain
- Forearm/elbow pain (particularly with riseballs and curveballs)
Research by the American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine found that nearly 75% of collegiate softball pitchers reported a history of upper extremity pain that impacted performance.
3. Long-Term Impact: Studies Emerging
There is limited but growing longitudinal research on former collegiate softball pitchers:
- A 2020 study published in the Journal of Athletic Training looked at over 200 former NCAA Division I softball pitchers. It found:
- Over 40% reported persistent shoulder or arm pain even years after their careers.
- Many had a reduced range of motion or strength compared to their non-pitching arm.
- Those who pitched more than 3 seasons in college had a significantly higher incidence of chronic shoulder pain.
- Anecdotally, many former high-level pitchers report issues requiring physical therapy or surgery, especially if they had high innings counts or poor mechanics in their developmental years.
Myths Debunked
| Myth | Reality |
|---|---|
| Underhand pitching is “natural” and can be done indefinitely without harm | It’s repetitive overhead stress in disguise—especially at elite levels |
| Pitch counts don’t matter in softball | They absolutely do; overuse is a top predictor of injury |
| Girls are less prone to arm injuries | Not true—different sport, but same risk when training volume is high and rest is limited |
Bottom Line
- Softball pitching is not inherently safer—it’s just different.
- High-volume pitching without proper mechanics, rest, and strength training can cause serious long-term arm and shoulder issues, even if pain isn’t felt immediately.
- Ongoing studies highlight a clear correlation between long-term overuse and injury risk in former collegiate pitchers.
Daily Irritant 
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