How to Throw a Submarine Pitch

This pitch is thrown while bent over at the waist. Although the arm is extended out, it’s reaching toward the ground, giving the effect of an underhanded throw. The baseball travels with an upward arc and an over spin. Contact with a bat usually results in a pop up or a foul ball over the catcher’s head. Some major league pitchers throw submarine pitches exclusively.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• A baseball
• Someone to play catcher

How to Throw a Submarine Pitch

1. Get a grip. Find the spot on the baseball where the seams come closest together. Place your index finger and middle finger over the seams for best grip.
2. Kick your leg out. Arch your back slightly and raise the knee of your forward leg. If you throw right handed, your left leg is forward. Instead of stepping directly toward home plate, step toward the dugout behind the first base line.
3. Bend down for the delivery. Bend at the waist as you kick out your forward leg. Plant your foot and continue bending as you swing your throwing arm from the shoulder.
4. Release low. Swing your hand down just a few inches above the ground. Let the baseball go at the lowest point of the swing with a snap of the wrist.
5. Practice all the steps. This is not a throw that comes naturally. Before you can think about how to locate it within the strike zone, you’ll have to practice to make the throw in the right direction! Try different placements for stepping out of your leg kick. Pay particular attention to where you release the ball and find the best timing for your wrist snap.