Baseball is a game of inches, with the smallest of margins separating success from failure in the batter's box and on the pitchers mound. The slightest variations in pitch velocity and spin can make all the difference in a batter bashing the ball over the fence for a home run or striking out to end the inning. Throwing baseball pitches and curves takes practice over many seasons.
How To Throw Baseball Pitches And Curves
Step 1
Grip the ball with two fingers on the seams for a fastball. This is your base pitch, and can be used for strikes and to induce ground ball and fly ball outs.
Step 2
Wind your body backward on the pitchers mound to generate torque and tension. This will be a dominant factor in determining the power of the pitch.
Step 3
Drive your lower body toward the target, which is home plate.
Step 4
Release your arm toward home plate and throw the ball as hard as you can toward the catchers mitt.
Step 5
Follow through to a full finish. Depending on your timing and accuracy, the pitch will be called a ball or strike, fouled off or put back in play by the batter.
Step 6
Grip the ball with a narrower two-finger grip close to the seam for a curve ball.
Step 7
Complete steps two through four for this pitch as well, but when you are releasing your arm, add some snap and follow through from top to bottom while snapping your wrist.
Step 8
Anticipate the ball curving from right to left -- for a right-handed pitcher -- and aim where the ball should start over the plate, then break out of the strike zone and fool the batter into swinging.
Tips and Warnings
- Fastballs and curve balls can be developed through hard work, practice, and personal preference with grip and pitching style.
- Curve balls can be damaging to under-developed arms because of the snapping motion. Young pitchers under 13 years of age should throw fastballs exclusively.
Things You'll Need
- Baseball
- Mound
- Glove
- Catcher
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