The Curveball

This is one of the most useful and used off-speed pitches in the game. The curveball excellent for putting batter off-balance and it keeps them guessing which pitch is going to be thrown next. In this post I will be discussing why the curveball is useful, when to use it, and of course how to throw. The curveball, as a pitcher is my favorite ball to throw, as a batter it is not as fun.

How to Hold

Similarly, to knuckle balls, there are a few different ways to throw curveballs. First, place your index and middle finger on the seams like so:

Then, place your thumb on top of the seams that are along the same seam, but is further down on the ball. This helps with stability when releasing. And then, just like many other pitches, curl your pinkie and ring fingre on the seams opposite of the index and middle. Make sure that these fingers are resting on top of the seam and not too much pressure is being used when placing them (Clark 50).

 

The Release

When releasing, do everything you would normally do to throw a fastball (Clark 51), except when releasing snap your arm (not too much or you can injure your arm) but just enough so that the ball rolls off your index finger and has top spin. This allows aerodynamics to take over and the seams on the ball act like wings and force the ball to drop at a steeper angle than a traditional fastball. When practicing, especially if you are a younger pitcher, don’t over use your arm especially with curveballs because when throwing can put stress on your UCL (tendon that is in your elbow) and damaging it can lead to the extreme case of Tommy John surgery.

Extra Tips:

With curveballs, I don’t suggest throwing them unless your arm is in good shape for pitching. Also just like with all the other pitches, practicing right before a game isn’t the best idea. I suggest practicing your throwing well before your first game, at least a couple of months to help build muscle memory and strengthen your arm beforehand.

 

Source:

Clark, Dave. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2006. Print.

 

Knuckle Balls: The Knuckle Curve

The knuckle curve can arguably be one of the most difficult pitches to throw with perfection. There are also many types of ways to hold it, so today I will be attempting to demonstrate how to throw a fairly common holding of the pitch. The knuckle curve is a very difficult pitch to hit as a batter, not because of the movement from the ball, but the main reason is that the release makes it harder to see when its coming out of the pitcher’s hand. The purpose of the knuckle curve is to have the off-speed advantage of a traditional curve ball, but mixed with the unpredictable movement pattern of a traditional knuckle ball.
 

How to Hold

To hold this pitch, think it as holding a forkball, or split finger fastball (Clark 34). This helps with the first placement of your palm and middle finger. It is very important that when you are holding this pitch is to dig-in with your index finger knuckle and not your nail, which is different from most knuckle balls. Once your middle and index finger are placed on the ball, curl the remaining finger behind your middle finger. The placement of your thumb is crucial in order to release this pitch correctly (Clark 34). Place your thumb on the adjacent seams and cover the two seams that are closest together.

The Release

This is probably the hardest part of any pitch especially the knuckle curve since there is no definite way to release. The release can range dramatically from player to player. The way I would suggest to release it is to snap with your wrist and elbow, like a traditional curveball, and flick your index finger to prevent the ball from spinning, just like the floater.

 

Extra Tips

Just like with the floater, the best way to be able to throw this pitch is to practice the hold and release. I highly suggest trying different ways of releasing that fit your pitching and arm style.

Question: How can this help you pitching in a game?

 

Source:

Clark, Dave. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2006. Print.

Knuckle Balls: The Floater

There are multiple types of knuckle balls. Including the floater, which I will be describing how to hold and release this pitch. Knuckle balls are rarely thrown correctly and a correct form usually leads to upsetting and disorienting batters, and is usually very exciting to see a perfect knuckle ball thrown in a game. Understanding how to throw and when to use this pitch doesn’t guarantee success, it takes hours of practice and passion, to master anything, including being able to throw the strangest pitches in the game. In this case the floater.

How to Hold

When holding this pitch, make sure to have your middle and index nails are comfortably grasping into the ball (Clark 39). Also make sure that your index and middle fingers are in the center between the stitching. Be sure to have your thumb resting slightly above the bottom stitching and held tight against your palm (Clark 40). Your remaining two fingers should be curled with your ring finger resting just underneath the top stitch like so:

The Release

When releasing, the goal of the pitch is to have no spin or as little as possible on the ball. This creates a whiffle-ball like affect, meaning when the ball is thrown the stitches act like wings and create turbulence causing the ball to move unpredictably. This is why the floater is a very useful pitch against batters.

When releasing the floater once you get to your release point begin to push off your index and middle finger like so, but be very careful to fully throw the ball completely and don’t just rely on your wrist and fingers, not using your entire arm can cause injury (Clark 41).

Once you have started the release keep pushing off the with your index and middle fingers. This is to ensure that the ball keeps from spinning.

 

Extra Tips

When throwing the floater (or any other pitch) it is best not to look at the ball when it is being thrown, rather focus on where you want the ball to go also known as your target (Clark 43). When first learning to throw floaters, or any pitch, be sure that your catcher knows when you’re are going to throw it. This is helpful for two reason: your catcher can see much more than you can and he can help make adjustments to help with your throw. Another reason is if you are a catcher, you would like to know what is being thrown at you beforehand (Clark 43).

Source:

Clark, Dave. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2006. Print.