How to throw a tailing sinker

One of the best strikeout pitches in baseball, the tailing sinker is extremely deceptive. If you've been looking for a two-strike pitch this is definitely an exciting one to throw. Once you learn how to throw a tailing sinker, batters will definitely respect your pitching abilities.

Instructions

The Tailing Sinker Strikeout Pitch

1. Positioning The Middle and Index FingersIn order to throw a tailing sinker, grab a baseball and position your hands like you're ready to throw a cross-seam fastball. The tips of your fingers will be positioned just above the top seam. Instead of holding them apart as you would with a two-seam, move them together.

2. Making The Big CThis may already be done without even trying. Your thumb may already be positioned correctly, but if it's not place it on the bottom of the horseshoe seam. If you hold the ball out it will look as though you are making the letter C with your grip. The pressure your thumb uses should be a little more than from the middle and index fingers when throwing a tailing sinker.

3. The Pinky and Ring FingerSince the tailing sinker grip relies heavily on the two fingers and thumb above, the pinky and ring fingers should be bent in half at the joints. While it doesn't seem like much, the slight pressure it creates on the other side of the ball holds the grip in place as you throw the tailing sinker pitch.

4. Throwing The Tailing SinkerWhen you throw this pitch its important to let your wrist snap downwards instead of at an angle. This allows the pitch to sink more than usual and still tail either inside or outside depending on which side of the plate the batter is standing.

5. What To Expect There are two different places you can place the thumb where different variables will happen. If it is underneath the ball expect the pitch to sink a lot more than if it is at six o'clock. If you want it to tail more with less sinking then keep it on the seam like we wrote about in Step 2.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't used to snapping the wrist while pitching it's very common to see little action in the beginning.

• Try both thumb placements and see which one is more comfortable to throw.

• The tailing sinker is a great 0-2 and 1-2 pitch.

• This pitch usually ends up being a ball, so don't get frustrated if its outside, inside or in the dirt.

• There isn't injury issues with the tailing sinker pitch, but younger players should always consult a coach or parents before throwing.

• If you do experience pain it may come from the wrist area depending on how hard your snap will be.