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.