How to Throw a Fastball

Does your curveball just not curve? Then work on blowing a powerful fastball past unsuspecting hitters. They can't hit what they can't see. Follow these few steps to improve your game.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Baseballs
• Baseball glove

1. Choose one of the following handgrips for a combination of comfortable release and maximum control.

2. Grip the ball perpendicular to the seams, at their widest point, with your middle and index fingers spread 1/2 inch apart. Your thumb lies perpendicular to the seams on the underside of the ball. With this grip, expect the pitch to rise as it makes its way to the catcher.

3. Alternatively, grip the ball with your middle and index fingers at the point where the seams are closest to each other. Your fingers should lie perpendicular to the seams. Expect the pitch to sink.

4. Hide the ball in your glove.

5. Wind up, and use this windup to gain power. Use the same motion you use with other pitches so that the batter has trouble predicting a fastball.

6. Release the ball from your fingertips to maintain control and gain spin.

7. Continue the motion of your arm after releasing the pitch, and follow through with your body. Allow your natural momentum to carry your body forward.

Tips & Warnings

• For increased backward rotation of the pitch, snap your wrist slightly as you release the ball - this sacrifices some speed but makes the pitch harder to hit.

• As your control improves, adjust your grip to maximize speed without losing control.

• Gripping the ball across the seams may cause blisters.