How to Throw a Curveball
October 8, 2012
Teaching a Kid a Curveball
October 10, 2012
Do you want to learn how to throw a slider? The slider grip is similar to a curveball.
Simply place your fingers the same way you would a curve using your index and middle fingers putting them close together. Thumb and middle finger split the baseball in half as you should do with most pitches.. Keep your ring finger and your pinkie off to the side as they shouldn’t make any real contact with the ball. Place a little more pressure with your thumb and middle finger as your index finger puts little to no pressure on the baseball.
Your wrist and forearm position with the slider at release is only slightly different than the curve. With your curveball grip your palm is facing you as you bring the ball out of your glove.: Throwing a slider is similar other than your palm facing you, it is slightly turned in. Using your fastball pitching mechanics with identical arm speed and arm slot, release the baseball in front of you.
The slider breaks down about six inches and in by six inches to an opposite hand hitter. A left-handed pitcher’s slider breaks down and away from left-handed batters; down and in on right-handed batters. It appears to be a fastball but breaks at the last minute going about six to eight miles an hour slower than the fastball. It is one of the fastest pitches in baseball.
Hint: Many pitchers will throw accidental sliders when they learn how to throw a curveball because the wrist and forearm angle at release is so similar.
If you feel you are up to the challenge of throwing a slider or learning an additional pitch this off-season, don’t wait any longer. Pick up your own copy of our pitching grips and workouts DVD today!
