The split finger is a pitch that baseball pitchers throw to deceive hitters and keep them off balance. Split finger pitches utilize a unique grip that gives the pitch away so the pitcher's grip on the baseball must be concealed in the glove before...
The baseball glove has undergone many changes in the last half century. Most gloves have sections for all four fingers and a thumb, with each section comfortably holding the corresponding finger. However, many baseball players don't put all of...
A mallet finger is a finger deformity which occurs when a tendon on the top of the a finger is damaged, causing the end of the finger to droop uncontrollably. Often extremely painful, mallet finger is a common athletic injury among those who play...
Finger deformities may be caused by injury to the tendons and muscles in your fingers, or medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis that result in joint inflammation and damage. The primary goal of rehabilitation exercises is to ensure that...
Mallet finger is a condition that is sometimes called "baseball finger," where the joint at the end of one of your fingers is bent, but won't straighten out. It is possible to push the finger straight manually, but it won't straighten on its own....
Whether you're a beginner or an advanced golfer, one of the essential elements to playing well is a sound, natural grip on your golf club. Otherwise, you won't be able to deliver the club face squarely to the back of the ball; you won't be able to...
Do you ever keep throwing your best fastball, but the hitter either hits it or keeps fouling it off? To remedy this, you can add a change up to your pitching repertoire. The change up is an excellent complement to the fastball because it looks...
First off, the screwball is a rarity in today's baseball because it is difficult to master. Some feel that the curve ball or the slider are pitches that accomplish the same intent of a screwball, but are easier to throw. Because of the mechanics,...
You see it all the time in baseball and softball: Pitchers walk onto the mound healthy and strong, ready to pitch a dominant game, then just a few innings later they walk off the mound with some kind of arm injury. The arm is delicate and the...
Pitchers rely on deception to get hitters out. They throw pitches at various speeds and spins designed to confuse the hitter and take away timing and balance. Pitches vary in speed, from rocket fastballs to slow changeups. Hitters able to pick up...
Gripping a baseball correctly can take some practice. The seams of a baseball should line up horizontally under the forefinger and the middle finger of the throwing hand. The thumb should grip the baseball directly opposite the other two fingers....
Probably the most important issue that arises when throwing a curve ball is the problem of physically immature players trying to throw one. Achievement is never worth the risk of long-term injury. If a child that is still growing tries to throw a...
Learning the fundamentals of baseball helps youngsters understand the game and allows them to play it well after significant practice. Throwing the baseball is an essential part of the game. Most players can throw a baseball without a thought once...
Close your eyes and you can hear the sounds of the ball park. The crack of the bat against ball, the sizzle of the hot dogs on the grill and the snap of a fastball against the catcher's mitt. Then there's the sound of silence. That's not a pause...
The two primary fastball grips are the four-seam and two-seam grips. The four-seam grip is when you place the index and middle fingers on the "horseshoe seam" of the baseball. Then put your thumb directly beneath the baseball on the middle of the...
For many baseball players, remembering where they learned to throw is a difficult memory. Many players learned to throw naturally as a child playing ball. However, being able to throw a ball and throwing one correctly are two different things....
Mallet finger occurs when the distal portion of the extensor tendon is disrupted. When this happens, the fingertip droops down and cannot be held straight against gravity.
Even though they call it a knuckle ball, you do not necessarily throw the pitch with the knuckles. The pitcher usually grips the baseball by the tips of the index finger and the ring finger, kind of like a claw grip if you are familiar with...
Depending on your perspective, a forkball is either a relic of the mid- to late 20th century or the predecessor of the split-fingered fastball, a widely used pitch in the early years of the 21st century. The forkball was an off-speed pitch,...
Baseball may not be considered a full-contact sport, and it's not as high-impact as football, but players still incur a surprisingly high number of injuries from head to toe. Baseball injuries are categorized as either acute (traumatic) or...
The rules and equipment of softball and baseball are nearly identical, except for a few small differences. Softball uses a larger ball than baseball, which means it needs a larger glove, both in length and in pocket size.
The best grip in golf is the one you are most comfortable using and that gets the best result. There are three primary gripping styles. First, you have the Vardon grip, which has been around for more than 100 years. With this grip, you want to...
Whether it's a baseball or football --- even a basketball -- throwing comes into play and the motion and release is similar no matter what the sport. There is more to throwing than simply picking up a ball and letting it fly. Form and technique...
The 10-finger golf grip, also called the baseball grip, can be a good choice for children and for adults with arthritis or other hand ailments. But if you are a healthy-handed adult, you should choose either of two grips: the interlocking grip...
When a player gets a new baseball glove, it can be used in games right away--that is what many manufacturers tell the consumers. However, the glove may be too stiff and hard to maneuver for a fielder--especially a young player--if the glove is not...
At first glance, baseball gloves may all look the same. But it's the subtle differences that can make a huge difference in your ability to snag a blazing line-drive or scoop a bouncing ground ball. Finding a glove that fits you well is the first...
The protective equipment worn by baseball catchers long ago acquired the nickname "the tools of ignorance," suggesting that a smart athlete wouldn't play the position. Of course, because catchers call the pitches based on the strengths of his...
A baseball glove is a treasured tool of the trade for any baseball player. An infielder's baseball glove is a very personal piece of the equipment. It is usually somewhat smaller than an outfielder's glove so the player can dig the ball out of the...
Improved finger control can make you a better typist or help in any number of other areas. For instance, finger dexterity can be beneficial for many musicians, from pianists to guitarists and even drummers. Strong fingers will also enhance your...
Mallet finger is a sprain or tear of the extender tendon in your finger. Learn more about what it is and how to treat it in this medical video clip.
Learn golf tips on improving your grip on your clubs in this free video clip.
A bunt is a great way to advance the runners. Learn the right way to bunt from a professional baseball player in this batting video.
Overpower batters with a great fast ball. Learn how to throw a fast ball from a professional in this baseball pitching video.
