How to throw a three fingered splitter
Are you ready for a great pitch youngsters can add to their bag of tricks? How about learning to throw a three fingered splitter? To parents it may sound a little too difficult for a little league pitcher to throw, but its actually quite easy. In fact, pitching the three fingered splitter at a young age can be brilliant as an off speed pitch like a changeup.
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Instructions
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Beginning Grip- As a pitcher the beginning grip while learning a new pitch is always the common two-seam fastball. Once you've established this grip, move your fingers up to the horseshoe that will be upside down. This is where you'll be throwing the three fingered splitter from on the baseball.
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Middle Finger- This is the guiding finger when throwing the three fingered splitter pitch. Since you will only be using three fingers, this is the finger that keeps the balance for the other two when placing your grip. Whether your left handed or right handed place your middle finger in the center of the upside down horseshoe. The tip of your finger should be touching the seam above it.
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Ring and Index Fingers- To administer a steady grip while performing the three fingered splitter its important to place these on each side of the ball. They will be centered in each of horseshoes on both the left and right of your middle finger. Since the baseball is a circular sphere, they will have a slight curl to them.
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Optional Thumb and Pinky Placement- There is always debate where you should properly place your thumb and pinky when throwing the three fingered splitter. Some people leave them completely off the ball, but through experience the baseball won't have near as much movement. Try having them touch each other underneath the baseball. They won't be part of the grip, but with them leaning against the baseball ever so slightly it will keep everything feeling comfortable. The thumb will be touching the bottom of the baseball while the pinky will rest underneath the thumb when using this option on the three fingered splitter.
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Throwing The Three Fingered Splitter- When you release the three fingered splitter pitch, the baseball will roll off the middle finger. No wrist action is required, but if you want to add a snap of the wrist it will give the baseball more action. Expect it to drop off towards the plate and even more if you use wrist movement.
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Tips & Warnings
To prevent injury make sure you do a few finger stretching exercises.
If you are teaching a younger player, throw the three fingered splitter without wrist action. They don't need the extreme break at a young age.
Do not throw the three fingered splitter in a game without practicing it first. Its important to see how your pitching hand and arm feel after throwing any pitch. If the grip, release, or movement of the baseball is not suited for you its important to find another pitch that works better.
At first you may find it difficult to control. This is usually because of the grip and added pressure to the left and right side of the ball may be needed.
While this is safe for even younger players, still utilize finger stretching and arm exercises before each throwing session.
