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.

Conditioning for soccer: Speed

Joey Macauley
Complete Conditioning for Soccer
By: Greg Gatz

Similar to the other components of soccer, including strength, flexibility, etc., speed can be taught and improved and isn't solely determined by inherited skill/potential. In chapter 7 of Complete Conditioning for Soccer, Greg Gatz defines speed and how to develop a program that incorporates drills and exercises that specify on the particular mechanics of your body. He explains how speed training for soccer should consist of combinations of acceleration, tempo changes, and multi-directional acceleration, which then correlates with the aspects of agility training. Also, Gatz warns that consecutive workouts dedicated to speed must be avoided to maintain forward progress by not over stressing the nervous system (Gatz 99). Then, Gatz specifies on how to design a program in order to effectively build upon your speed. He says, "To improve top-end speed, you need to understand and practice the basic mechanics of sprinting, including posture, stride frequency, and stride length..." (Gatz 100). Then, he adds, "When planning your speed development program, allow sufficient recovery between intensive bouts and adjust the volume to lessen the chance of over training" (Gatz 102). Following this information, Gatz lays out guidance plans and written tutorials for developing a speed program that incorporates various drills such as...

(1) Hill Sprints: Forces your steps to be quicker up and down. The resistance from the gradual incline works on your acceleration and stretches your muscles
(2-3) Get-up: Accentuates the driving force of acceleration and teaches you to use your arms to generate more power in motion. 

In essence, this chapter really taught me how to possibly increase my speed and agility which plays a major role in how players and teams are able to dominate. I now understand the correct methods or processes for how to improve my speed and I'm anxious to continue applying them to how I train. After reading the evidence I paraphrased, it now easier to strategically and effectively created a plan that will enhance the mechanics of my muscles, along with doing it safely in regards to muscle health. Furthermore, similar to how flexibility and balance training are separated into different styles of exercises, the quoted evidence that I included really made it more clear for me on what I could work on and what drills correspond with various focuses. All in all, I may not be the quickest player out there, but at least this chapter has given me valuable knowledge to keep moving forward. 

Do you consider yourself to have more speed then others? If so, how have you obtained it, and if not, what do you seek as the best plan in improving this component?

Work Cited: 

Gatz, Greg. Complete Conditioning for Soccer. Human Kinetics, 2009.