The gyro ball is a baseball pitch that originated in Japan and perfected using a super computer, reports TheCompletePitcher.com. When thrown correctly, the gyro ball resembles a curve ball or slider as it approaches the plate, but doesn’t curve or drop, and has a spin similar to a football. Learning to throw the gyro ball effectively is difficult, as is hitting it once a pitcher knows how to throw it effectively.
Step 1
Grip the baseball with a standard two-seam or four-seam fastball grip. Place your index and middle finger on top of the ball across or with the seams, with your other two fingers tucked into your palm and thumb on the bottom of the ball.
Step 2
Start your pitching windup as you would if you were throwing a regular fastball. Begin turning your hand away from your body as you reach your release point.
Step 3
Twist your arm so the back of your hand faces your body when you release the ball. Snap your wrist and fingers downward, similar to how you would with a curve ball. Your thumb is pointed at the ground after you’ve released the ball.
Tips and Warnings
- Throw a football for practice to get a feel for how the gyroball is supposed to spin. Study the clockwise spin of the football, then try to recreate it with a baseball.
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