How to Throw a Gyroball

Kazushi Tezuka, who sought to create a pitch that acted like a flying gyroscope, devised the mysterious Gyroball. In 2007, the gyro was made famous by Boston pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka who supposedly brought the "demon" pitch with him from Japan. This pitch looks like a slider, acts like a fastball but breaks with screwball type spin. Unravel the mystery and attempt to throw the "miracle" pitch by reading the steps below.

Instructions

1. Grip the baseball with the seams or against the seams just like a two or four seam fastball.

2. Think fastball throughout your delivery, then begin to turn your arm away from your body as you throw the pitch. As the arm comes forward and down, your arm twists, so that the top of your hand faces you. This is what gives the gyroball its sidespin.

3. Pull down with your fingers as you release the baseball off the inner portion of your hand between the thumb and index finger. Continue to twist the arm through your release with the palm facing away from you and your thumb pointed at the ground.

4. Throw it sidearm. According to Japanese trainer Kazushi Tezuka, the best way to throw a gyroball is with a sidearm delivery because the mechanics of the pitch (pulling it down and spinning it sideways like a football) are more natural this way.

5. Practice the spin of the gyroball by tossing a football. Once you have mastered the spin needed for a perfect spiral, try putting the same spin on a baseball.

Tips & Warnings

• According to Tezuka, the gyroball puts less stress on the arm than any other breaking pitch.

• Consult your pitching coach, athletic trainer, physical therapist or minister when attempting the "Demon" pitch.