How to Pitch a Sidearm Breaking Ball

When it comes to baseball there are infinite factors that affect game play, from the weather to the players to the physics of how the pitcher throws a ball. One popular way to disrupt a batter's momentum is to throw sidearm. The release point is lower, causing the hitter to adjust. Make it a curve ball, and he might really be lost. Here's how to throw a sidearm curve ball.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Baseball
• Catcher or target

1. Toe the rubber as you normally would. In baseball, it is common for a pitcher to pitch from the "wind-up" if there is no one on base, or there is at least one runner on third base with 2 outs. Otherwise, toe the rubber from the "stretch" position. The wind-up causes you to face the batter, while the stretch causes you to face first or third base (depending if you are left-handed or right-handed.) Determine the situation and toe the rubber accordingly.
2. Receive the sign from the catcher. In baseball, the pitcher receives the sign of what to throw from the catcher. Some pitchers call their own game and will "shake-off" the catcher until they see the sign for the pitch they want to throw. Whatever the case, the purpose is that both the pitcher and catcher are on the same page. If the catcher is expecting a curve ball and you throw a fastball, havoc may ensue.
3. Grip the baseball so that your index and middle finger are against the outer seams of the ball. Your thumb will then counter-balance directly across. So, unlike a fastball where your fingers are placed at the top and bottom, your finger positioning is diagonal on the curve ball.
4. Go into your wind-up on the mound. A pitcher's wind-up is almost sacred to them. Meaning there are so many permutations, whatever makes your body feel comfortable is probably right for you. If you need help on mechanics, then see a pitching coach. The principles of pitching sidearm don’t occur until the very end of the motion.
5. Drop your rear shoulder below your front shoulder. When you are pitching over the top, the rear shoulder comes over the front shoulder as you pitch toward the place. However, because you are pitching the ball sideways, your rear shoulder will take the opposite motion.
6. Plant your front foot so that it’s facing home plate. Wherever your front foot points is where the ball will head. Make sure it is aiming at the plate.
7. Bring your arm along the side of your body. Again, rather than pitching over your front shoulder, you are pitching the baseball to the side.
8. Snap the baseball as you release it with your hand. The whole trick to a curve ball is that you must snap it hard upon release. This causes a tight rotation of the seams, which (by laws of physics), causes the ball to break or deviate from a level plane.
9. Follow through with your body and get ready to field the ball. Any good pitcher knows that the chance of a baseball coming back toward them is significant. Land on your feet.

Tips & Warnings

• Mix in a sidearm curve ball every now and again to confuse the batter. It will throw off their timing.
• Pitching side arm and pitching curve balls in baseball can be detrimental to a young arm. Don’t attempt either of these motions before the age of 13. You will blow out your elbow.