How To

How to Grip a Splitter

By Thomas Silvers, eHow Editor

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In baseball, it is extremely important for a pitcher to be able to keep hitters off balance, to make them wonder what pitch is coming next. This can be easier for the pitcher who has mastered all the pitches in their repertoire. That experience allows them the ability to understand and learn new pitches faster. The split-finger fastball, or splitter, is an advanced pitch perfect for fooling opposing hitters. Here you can learn how to grip a splitter in an easy step-by-step process.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Baseball
Catcher to throw to or a net to throw against

Step 1

This should be the top of the ball in your grip.

The baseball should have the horseshoe shape of the laces facing up in your grip.
Step 2

The index and middle fingers should be placed on the outside of the horseshoe shape. Make sure to grip the ball tight and that the baseball is deep in your grip, "choke" the ball.
Step 3

After you are comfortable with the grip, you should begin to practice throwing the splitter. Throw the underside of your wrist at your target, your middle and index should stay extended upward. Keep your wrist stiff.
Step 4

In regards to mechanics besides those already listed, throw the splitter as you would your fastball.