Screwball Meaning in Softball

A screwball is a specialized pitch that breaks toward a right handed hitting batter. The pitcher uses a specific wrist snap to create inward spin on the softball. This movement causes the ball to curve toward the hands of the hitter suddenly. It is the opposite movement of a standard curveball in a fastpitch game. A pitcher throws a screwball that jams the batter on the inside corner. The hitter makes weak contact and hits a soft foul ball near plate. This pitch is highly effective at making hitters uncomfortable in the batter’s box. Mastering the screwball requires excellent finger control and a very flexible throwing wrist. It is a powerful tool for pitchers who want to dominate the inner zone.