How to Throw a Tailing Fastball

Two seam grip used for tailing or cut fastball

Pitching is oneof the most difficult things to master in all of sports. Once you have the mechanics down for throwing a standard (4 seam) fastball, you will want to begin to add movement to your pitches. The tailing fastball, or cut fastball is an good pitch to learn if you are desiring more movement. It is easier on the arm than breaking balls, as it does not stress the arm from an wrist snap or arm curl. The following article will give you some tips on how to grip and throw a tailing fastball. (This article is written for right handed pitchers throwing to a right handed hitter. Left handed players should reverse the directions.)

Things You'll Need

• Baseball(s), glove, catcher, pitching mound

Instructions

Learn the grip and make the ball move

1. Hold the ball with your index and middle fingers running parallel to the laces. This is the standard grip for tailing or "cut" fastballs.

2. Apply pressure. If you want the ball to tail inside, apply pressure with your outside (middle) finger. This offsets the balance, causes rotation, and pulls the ball inward.

3. Apply pressure with your other finger to make the ball tail in the other direction. The effect is not the result of how hard you throw the ball. Rather, it is the result of offsetting the rotation and getting the ball to tail and dive from the ball's rotational imbalance.

4. Throw the ball with normal arm action. There is no need to snap the wrist down as you would with a "slider", or "snap and curl". The tailing fastball is thrown just as a normal fastball and relies on the pressure from your fingers to make it move.

5. Practice the amount of pressure you use during your pitch. You will probably be able to make the ball tail in one direction better than the other, so you will need to practice your ability to make the ball move. Make sure you do this before trying the pitch during a real game!

Tips & Warnings

• Practice, practice, practice

• You won't usually be able to make the ball move quite as well in both directions. So, pick the stronger one and use it.

Resources

• more info here!