The 7 Most Important Baseball Pitches You Need To Know Today
13.96 Million: Number of people who play baseball in the United States – twice the population of Paraguay. Making it the 3rd most popular sport in America.
Before the Pitch
Every great pitch stems from a great wind-up technique. Perfect your wind up in order to improve your pitch.
The Perfect Wind-Up
Start by facing the batter with your feet on the rubber pointing towards the home plate.
To begin the pitch, take a step back with your left foot, turn 90 degrees with your left shoulder pointing toward home plate.
Lift your left leg as you turn, bending at the knee.
Pitch while making a long stride towards home plate with your left foot, keeping it in line with your right leg.
The 7 Pitches Every Pitcher Should Master
Remember, pitchers are usually the focal point of every baseball match. A good pitcher is the hero of the game.
The Four-Seam Fastball
The Four-Seam Fastball
Facts:
1st pitch learnt -usually.
Fast and easy to place.
How to Grip:
Place your index and middle fingertips across the seams of the baseball. Place your thumb underneath the ball. Your thumb tip should rest on smooth leather, not on a seam. Don’t smother the ball, hold it with the fingertips.
How to Pitch:
Wind up and throw the ball as hard and fast as you can.
The Two-Seam Fastball
Facts:
Also called the “sinker”.
Fast and easy to place.
How to Grip:
Place your index and middle fingers directly on top of the seams – narrowest point between seams is best. Place your thumb directly underneath the baseball. Make sure your thumb tip does not touch the seam. Use your ring finger to balance the ball.
How to Pitch:
Hold the ball tightly until the point of release. Wind up and pitch hard.
The Slider
Facts:
Also called a “yakker” or “snapper”.
How to Grip:
Same as two seam fastball, only this time, place your middle and index fingers next to the right seam. Place your ring finger on the side of the ball and the thumb underneath the ball. Squeeze the ball between your middle finger and thumb. Pull your wrist in on the thumb side.
How to Pitch:
Wind up and throw. Make sure to keep your wrist loose as you release the ball.
The Curve Ball
Facts:
Uses optical illusion to confuse the batter.
How to Grip:
Place your middle finger along the bottom seam of the ball and your index finger next to your middle finger. The thumb should be placed on the back seam. This finger placement will give the ball a tight rotation so it can break.
How to Pitch:
Keep your elbow equal with your throwing shoulder – can be a bit higher but not lower. As you release the ball rotate your wrist out and down. The ball should rotate off your index finger as it leaves your hand.
The Circle Change-Up
The Curve Ball
Facts:
A slow pitch often used to confuse the batter.
How to Grip:
Make a circle by touching the tips of your thumb and index fingers. Place the baseball in your palm and hold it with the other three fingers. The baseball should fit snugly against your circle. Windup and pitch, making sure to hide your pitch style.
The Knuckle Ball
Facts:
One of the hardest pitches to throw.
Also one of the hardest pitches to hit.
How to Grip:
Position the ball in the same way as you would in the two-seam fastball without touching the seam. Instead of placing your fingers on the seam, dig your fingertips into the leather. Place your the under the ball.
How to Pitch:
Keep your wrist stiff and extend your fingers as you release the ball – as if you’re pushing the ball.
The Splitter Fastball
Facts:
Despite being called a fastball, the splitter is often used as an off-speed pitch
How To Grip:
Place your index and middle fingers outside the seams – the seams should lie between your fingers.. Place your thumb directly underneath the baseball. Make sure your thumb tip does not touch the seam. Use your ring finger to balance the ball.
How to Pitch:
Pitch as you would a two seam fastball.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!