If you’re looking to improve your throwing skills, learning how to throw different pitches is key. In this article, you’ll learn how to grip the baseball for different pitches and use mental cues to throw the right pitch. It’ll also help you improve your control and command of the baseball.
- Slider
A slider is a baseball pitch that varies in speed and spin. It is best used when the pitcher has fast, powerful arms that are able to generate tight spin. The slider should be held with the outer third of the hand and the index finger should be used to generate the spin. The angle created when turning the index finger should also be accounted for when determining the break and release.
The slider is the next-fastest pitch behind the fastball and relies on tight spin and a late break down and away. For the best results, the pitcher should hold the slider with the first two fingers slightly off-center on the seam and down the length of the seam. The thumb should be placed opposite the ball for support. While the thumb may not be held as deep into the palm as with curveballs, this is the most common position when throwing a slider.
A slider is a good pitch that produces a great bluff on hitters. The grip on the slider is similar to that of a curveball. The thumb and middle finger grip the ball slightly off-center on the outer seam. The index finger and middle finger should be slightly pressed down on the baseball as well. The pitch should have a slight side spin, which is similar to gyro spin. The slider should also be thrown with a loose wrist.
- Change-up
When you’re pitching, one of the most important things you need to remember is how to grip the ball. Most pitchers grip the ball deep in their fingers, not in their palm. This will help to increase friction and decentralize force as you throw the ball. You should alternate between throwing the fastball and the changeup to develop a variety of pitches. Also, it’s important to throw at least 20 pitches per week to keep your arm as strong as possible.
When throwing the changeup, keep in mind that its speed is 10 to 15 percent slower than the fastball. This will make it difficult for the batter to catch up to the changeup. The changeup is not a strikeout pitch, it’s a pitch to keep the hitter off balance. A good changeup can help keep the opposition’s batting average below. This will help you win more games.
The changeup is another pitch that is very similar to the fastball. However, it comes out slower and with more movement. A changeup’s main purpose is to fool a batter into thinking that you’re going to give up on the fastball. To succeed at this pitch, it’s important to get a feel for it early on in your training.
- Splitter
A splitter is a pitch that has different speeds. This pitch can be thrown low in the zone and is often used to strike out batters. The splitter looks like a fastball until it is near the end. This can be a useful pitch for a pitcher who wants to get the most out of his pitches.
A splitter has similar mechanics to a fastball, but it is thrown without backspin. It also travels slower than a fastball. Since it is not fast, it requires less effort to throw. The lack of spin on the ball will cause gravity to pull it downwards. In contrast, fastballs don’t drop because of the fast backspin. This is because the fast backspin creates air pressure underneath the ball.
Pitchers should aim for the dirt when throwing a splitter. A good way to start is with a windup and step back with the lead foot. Once you’re in that position, rotate your body halfway around and break toward the plate. Keeping your elbow high is another important part of splitter pitching.
- Two-seam fastball
The two-seam fastball is a fastball with a distinct movement that is primarily towards the arm side of the pitcher. This pitch is most effective when used properly. It has a high velocity and can go as high as 95 mph. It is often a great pitch for certain situations but can be rough on some hitters.
To throw this fastball properly, the first thing to remember is to grip the ball correctly. You should place your index finger and middle finger along the seams of the baseball, which will help you exaggerate the movement. You should also position your thumb comfortably below the baseball.
A right-handed pitcher should grip the ball slightly deeper than he would a four-seam fastball. This allows for a wider arc and more movement. For the two-seam fastball, the index and middle fingers should be placed on the two narrow seams of the baseball. The release of the pitch should be similar to that of a four-seam fastball, except that the two-seam fastball is thrown with a lowered velocity.
While the four-seam fastball is one of the fastest pitches in baseball, the two-seam fastball is a great pitch for soft contact. It is one of the pitches little leaguers are taught to throw.
- Sinker
If you want to throw the perfect sinker pitch, you must practice. Start by throwing a slow sinker and gradually increase your speed as you become familiar with the pitch. Make sure that your ball breaks and releases smoothly. Also, try to break down your sinker pitch into its individual components so that you know where you have to improve. In addition, you need to know how to change your placement over the plate to achieve more topspin.
The arm motion for a sinker pitch is very similar to a fastball pitch. The index finger should be in front of the middle finger upon release. The palm will be turned out slightly. The wrist action should be similar to that of a fastball. If you do not like the action of your fastball pitch, try throwing a sinker.
As you get better at pitching, experiment with different grips to see which one feels comfortable. The best grip is one that gives you the most control and comfort when pitching. Always keep in mind that the grip is a vital pitching characteristic and will change the effectiveness of your pitches.