How to Throw a 12-6 Curveball

The curveball is the pitch every kid wants to throw. It is the glamor pitch of baseball, and when done right, the hardest to hit. However, learning and throwing it correctly is difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Baseball and a catcher

Instructions

How to Throw a 12-6 Curveball

1. Know how to grip the ball. The curveball grip starts with the index and middle fingers. Hold the baseball like throwing a two-seam fastball. Now slide the index finger to the middle finger. The fingers should be on the seams that are closet to the throwing hand. For example, with a righty, the fingers will be resting on the right seam. The thumb rests on the bottom of the baseball.

2. Using your normal delivery, the hand should start twisting so the back part of the hand is facing the batter. The curveball is reliant on the wrist, not the elbow. Getting a hard, tight rotation with the wrist is critical.

3. As the wrist comes over and begins rotating the thumb should come over the top and the middle and index fingers will be on the bottom.

4. The release of the ball will come from the middle and index fingers. As the wrist is twisting, the ball should come off those two fingers, with a forward spinning action. The sensation should feel like pulling the ball downward.

5. Maintain a normal stride, or perhaps reduce it. This will allow the pitcher to remain on top of the ball and allow the ball to be pulled down. As it leaves the hand, the ball will break from the 12 o'clock position to the 6 o'clock position. The greater the spin, the greater the break, and consequently, the better the pitch.

Tips & Warnings

• The curveball should only be taught to individuals will highly developed arms. This pitch puts tremendous strain on the arm and can cause elbow problems.