Any successful pitcher has an array of ways to get batters out. And all teams rely on good pitching to have a successful season. Cy Young had two different curveballs; Randy Johnson had Mr. Snappy, his unhittable slider; and Nolan Ryan had his fastball that still holds the record at 100.9 mph. Not all pitchers are able to throw all types of pitches. But every pitcher needs at least a fastball, a breaking pitch and a change-of-pace or off-speed pitch.
The Fastball
Step 1
Position the ball with the seams running horizontally. One seam runs almost at the top of the ball and another in the middle of the ball as it faces the batter before release.
Step 2
Place your second and third fingers at the top of the ball. Your fingers should be resting on the upper horizontal seam.
Step 3
Release the ball with an even bottom-to-top rotation using your maximum velocity. Pitchers call this a four-seam fastball because the batter sees four parallel seams spinning to identify the pitch.
The Curveball
Step 1
Grip the ball with your index and middle fingers on the top and your middle finger along a horizontal long seam facing toward the wide portion of the seam. Place your thumb under the ball, with the inside edge of your thumb touching the ball.
Step 2
Release the ball by cocking or snapping your wrist down and allowing your thumb to move to the top of the throw. The ball will travel 11 to 14 mph slower than a fastball.
Step 3
Transfer your hand leverage to the front of the ball as you throw. This positioning is more important than speed in throwing the curveball, according to David Andriesen, sportswriter with the "Seattle Post-Intelligencer."
The Change-up
Step 1
Place your thumb on the bottom of the ball and lay your forefinger on the nail of your thumb. Your grip will resemble a circle on the side of the ball. Position the ball back near to your palm.
Step 2
Spread your other three fingers around the top of the ball. To the batter, the change-up position in the pitcher’s hand looks the same as the fastball position.
Step 3
Release the ball with the same type of even spin as the fastball. The variation in your grip concentrates the ball’s spin in the center of the ball and thereby slows its speed. The change-up is about 10 mph slower than the fastball.
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