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.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Tired of Being Tired? Fight Fatigue and Try FRS for FREE!

[peterjones]

on 1/21/2009 There is a new base layer 2009 called run fast which increase velocity for pitching, batting and running
It’s by a company called asus you can find them at www.asus.uk.com I bought one and it works for me. Good luck.

[stephwinss]

on 11/15/2008 I can't wait to try it. You'll be informed! lol. My son is two and I was wondering if anyone thinks that is to young to start with this technique. I don't want to be overbearing and make it not fun but I am determined to get him into the baseball life.

[JoinedJustToSay]

on 8/26/2008 Keloke, what the hell are you blathering about?!

[coacht25]

on 2/18/2008 There is no such thing as a rising fastball, the illusion of a "rise" is caused by the pitch not dropping as much on it's way to the plate. The only "true" rising fastball is one thrown by a side-arm pitcher that actually throws the ball on an upward trajectory. This has been documented via high speed camera.

[coacht25]

on 2/18/2008 There is no such thing as a rising fastball, the illusion of a "rise" is caused by the pitch not dropping as much on it's way to the plate. The only "true" rising fastball is one thrown by a side-arm pitcher that actually throws the ball on an upward trajectory. This has been documented via high speed camera.