Baseball Pitching (Post 3): The Curve Ball

The Curveball

The Curve ball is one of the most useful and deceiving off-speed pitches in the game. The curve ball excellent for putting batter off-balance and it keeps them guessing which pitch is going to be thrown next. In this post I will be discussing why the curve ball is useful, when to use it, and of course how to throw. The curve ball, as a pitcher is my favorite ball to throw, as a batter it is not as fun.

How to Hold

Similarly, to knuckle balls, there are a few different ways to throw curve balls. First, place your index and middle finger on the seams like so:

Then, place your thumb on top of the seams that are along the same seam, but is further down on the ball. This helps with stability when releasing. And then, just like many other pitches, curl your pinkie and ring finger on the seams opposite of the index and middle. Make sure that these fingers are resting on top of the seam and not too much pressure is being used when placing them (Clark 50).

The Release

When releasing, do everything you would normally do to throw a fastball (Clark 51), except when releasing snap your arm (not too much or you can injure your arm) but just enough so that the ball rolls off your index finger and has top spin. This allows aerodynamics to take over and the seams on the ball act like wings and force the ball to drop at a steeper angle than a traditional fastball. When practicing, especially if you are a younger pitcher, don’t over use your arm especially with curve balls because when throwing can put stress on your UCL (tendon that is in your elbow) and damaging it can lead to the extreme case of Tommy John surgery.

Extra Tips:

With curve balls, I don’t suggest throwing them unless your arm is in good shape for pitching. Also just like with all the other pitches, practicing right before a game isn’t the best idea. I suggest practicing your throwing well before your first game, at least a couple of months to help build muscle memory and strengthen your arm beforehand.

Question: Do you think this pitch will be effective in the game? Or will it be too easy to hit.

Source:

Clark, Dave. Chicago: Ivan R. Dee, 2006. Print.