How to Grip a Sinker Ball
Throwing a sinker ball is a lot like throwing a fastball. A sinker ball is a modified two-seam fastball. When this grip is thrown, it will automatically make you turn the ball over. If the pitcher is right-handed, the ball will have a clockwise top spin to it that will usually cause it to move in and down to a right-handed batter and away from a left-handed batter. For a left-handed pitcher it will move to a left-handed batter and away from a right. Read on to learn how to grip a sinker ball.
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Instructions
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Place your index and middle fingers between the seams of the ball. Place your thumb on the seven- or eight-o’clock position. If your fingers are on the seams, it will reduce your sinking action.
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Hold it another way. Widen the space between your index and middle finger a bit from the first grip. They should now be outside of the laces in the sweet spot on the ball. Keep your thumb in the same position. This pitch will usually break straight down late. It will cause you to loose velocity compared to the first grip but will begin to pick up movement down.
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Place pressure on your fingers. Adding a little pressure on either finger will cause the ball to tail one way or another.
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Move your fingers inwards. To get a better sink on the ball, one or both of the fingers can be moved inwards from the seams.
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Throw the ball. To achieve a good sink pitch, the ball must be thrown low with a good downward angle into the zone.
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