The running fastball is a variation on the pitch most commonly thrown by pitchers, the fastball. A running fastball can be thrown with a four-seam or two-seam grip, but you will probably find more success getting your fastball to run with a two-seam grip. The difference between a normal fastball and a running fastball is that normal fastballs either fly straight or dip slightly, while running fastballs move laterally across the pitcher's body.
Step 1
Hold the baseball so your middle and index fingers grip the seams at the narrowest point on the ball. This is similar to the two-seam grip, where the ball is held deeper in the hand than a four-seam fastball, which is held mainly in the fingers.
Step 2
Place more pressure on your index finger than on your middle finger. The added pressure will affect the spin of the ball just enough to cause it to run across the pitcher's body. This means the ball will run from right to left for right-handed pitchers and left to right for left-handed pitchers. The movement on the running fastball, either running in or away from a batter, depending on whether they are right-handed or left-handed, has been effective for many players as a strikeout pitch.
Step 3
Let your fingers roll off the ball as you release. You can also experiment with where to place your thumb. Some pitchers find success with their thumb on the side of the ball, but you may want to move your thumb closer to the bottom of the ball if that gives your fastball a little more run.
Tips and Warnings
- Experiment with different amounts of pressure and finger placement to find a combination that gives you optimal run on your fastball. Move your arm into different slots as you release. The fastball will have a different amount of run from a three-quarter or sidearm slot than straight over the top.
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