How to Throw a Palm Ball
One of the most interesting pitches in baseball, the palm ball can give any pitcher an advantage. The best part about learning how to throw a palm ball is it's simple. Before you know it batters will be looking at strike three wondering why they didn't swing.
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Instructions
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Throwing A Masterful Palm Ball
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1
Grab the baseball like you're getting ready to throw a fastball. The palm ball grip requires you to utilize a horseshoe, so just slide your fingers around it. However, instead of using the index and middle finger, use the middle and ring fingers when throwing a palm ball.
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2
Make sure the palm ball uses all five fingers on your hand. Now that you have the middle and ring finger in place, let's get to the rest. The pinky finger and index finger should be positioned on the appropriate sides of the baseball. You'll notice they will have a slight curl, but this will help with stability when throwing a palm ball.
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3
Place your thumb underneath the baseball. If it moved to the right and touched your index finger you would be holding a circle change. However, at a six o' clock mark it becomes a palm ball and has different effects when moving towards the plate. Once placed in the palm of your hand, the palm ball will be even more effective then a change up.
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4
Disguise the palm ball as best you can. Keep the same rotation and release to the plate as you would a fastball. Just be sure to keep the wrist as stiff as possible. If you don't want the palm ball to come in so slow, just throw it without putting it in the palm.
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5
Use the palm ball pitch on a zero and zero count or when you're behind in the count. Most hitters expect a palm ball to come their way when the counts zero and two. Why? Mostly because others use it as a strike out pitch. You will decide how to use it best in your game, but this is a great tactic.
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Tips & Warnings
Finger exercises are important when throwing a palm ball because you are using all five.
If your child wants to throw a palm ball, be sure they have a big enough hand to grip it correctly.
No one under the age of fifteen should use a palm ball. As a matter of fact, the only thing youngsters should be pitching is fastballs and change ups.
