How to Throw a Sinker Like Roger Clemens
Roger Clemens is the most successful pitcher of his generation. His seven Cy Awards place him among the greatest pitchers of all time. Known for his fastball, his devastating sinker made his heat seem even faster. While you may never have his fastball, it is easy to learn to throw a sinker like the Rocket.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Challenging
Instructions
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1
Grip it like a two-seam fastball but spread your fingers on the outsides of the seams. This is the easiest way to throw the sinker.
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2
Place your thumb on the bottom seam. When you release the ball, push off with your index finger. Thrown properly, the ball should look like a two-seam fastball then sink at the end of the pitch.
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3
Keep your hand and fingers on the top of the ball until you release it. Failure to hold on to the ball long enough will make the ball "cut" instead of sink. By throwing the sinker, you are trying to create friction that slows the ball down.
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4
Set the pitch up with a fastball. The sinker is a good "out" pitch. Sinkers are good pitches to throw with two strikes or when you need to induce a double play. By throwing a sinker when a hitter is expecting a fastball, you can get outs because the pitch looks like a fastball fooling the hitter.
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5
Find your spot to throw the sinker. Low and inside is the best place to locate the sinker. Keep it away from the upper part of the plate because those sinkers usually end up over the fence.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Young baseball players should not be throwing breaking pitches. These pitches place tremendous strain on still-developing elbows and shoulders. Avoid throwing breaking pitches until you are at least 14 or 15.
