How to Throw a Knuckleball

One of the most mysterious of all pitches in baseball, the knuckleball is a fascinating pitch to see and learn. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A baseball & glove
• A catcher or screen
• A pitchers mound (if possible)

Hot to throw a knuckleball

1. 

   Learn the proper grip. Contrary to the name, the knuckleball is actually held in the fingertips, often with the fingernails digging into the cover of the ball. (See photo). This takes some getting used to.

2. Find your release point. The unusual grip of the knuckleball ensures that if will take some time to get the hang of. Few people master the pitch, but the ones that do know the exact point of their windup to release the ball.

3. Don't overthrow. The knuckleball is not a power pitch, meaning you should not try to throw it too hard. The knuckleball relies on air pockets to drive it down and side to side, much like an airliner in turbulence.

4. Don't snap your wrist as you throw. Some pitches require an extra snap or twist of the wrist, but the knuckleball does not. You almost want to push the ball out with your fingers, in effort to stop the ball from rotating or spinning like other pitches.

5. Practice! The knuckleball is seldom a pitch that is mastered, and is most often thrown after an injury or as a way to sustain or lengthen a career.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy an emory board to keep your nails uniform for better pitch control.
• Buy your catcher dinner after a game or practice of catching your knucklers.
• Don't get caught with your emory board in your pocket during a game! They're illegal!