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.
Hey, Tyler
ReplyDeleteIt was really cool reading one of your blog posts about baseball and all the ways that you can throw the ball. It really gave me a knew perspective on what goes on during a baseball game and gave me a newfound respect for the sport. There must be a lot of mental preparation that goes into your games and practices.
Keep up the good work in improving at baseball and maybe you would be able to teach me how to throw a curve ball one of these days.