What is the Canpitch Program?

Canpitch was created to introduce and develop the fundamental skills of windmill pitching to Canada’s children and youth. Canpitch instructors in each province teach a nationally standardized curriculum founded in Long Term Player Development (LTPD) principles that reflects an athlete-centered approach to learning.

The benefits of a nationally standardized pitching program like Canpitch are:

• All athletes across Canada will have the opportunity to learn how to pitch from experts.
• Improved skills will improve competitiveness at the local, provincial and national levels.
• Canpitch Instructors are part of a national network of pitching coaches that participate in professional development sessions, which fosters a sense of community and the sharing of best practices.

Canpitch programs in your area may run year-round with group lessons often taking place once a week in 6 week blocks. In the future we hope all softball associations in Canada have Canpitch Instructors offering programs to anyone wanting to learn to pitch. Contact your Provincial/Territorial Office or local softball association about how to host, become a Canpitch Instructor or enroll a pitcher in a Canpitch Program near you.

Why sign up?

Canpitch instructors deliver leading-edge pitching instruction through group lessons using a 6-week curriculum created by a team of pitching experts. While the Canpitch program is taught in a group, instructors also focus on meeting every athlete’s individual learning needs, based on their skill level.The Canpitch Program is truly athlete-centred, inclusive and most importantly fun.

Throughout the program pitchers will:

• Learn and develop the fundamental skills of pitching.
• Meet other players and develop friendships.
• See their progress as they move from one stage of pitching development to the next in a clearly defined pathway.
• Be introduced to the concepts of fair play, fitness, safety, and teamwork.
• Have a fun and memorable experience.

The instructor to pitcher ratio is kept low (maximum of 1:10 and in most cases lower) to ensure each pitcher receives individual attention. Pitchers progress at their own rate in weekly group lessons and by practicing on their own. Instructors use various teaching aids and activities that create a fun learning environment and provide both verbal, positional and tactile feedback.