How to Throw a Curve Ball Safely

How to throw a curve ball safely.

It seems that nowadays baseball players of a younger and younger age are being taught how to throw a curve ball. The problem with this is that many young pitchers are being taught how to throw a curve ball incorrectly. Many youths are being taught to use a twisting motion with their wrist and elbow, leading to either elbow surgery at too young of an age or worse, permanent elbow damage.

This, “How To” will show you how to throw an, elbow friendly curve ball, that when thrown properly will, “break” from the 12 o’clock position to the 6 o’clock position unlike an un-safe curve ball that breaks from the 2 o’clock position to the 7 o’clock position.

These directions are from a right-handed perspective, simply reverse for left-handers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Baseball
• Room to throw

1. 
    
   Fingers between seams

   1. Grip the ball with the seams so that your index finger and middle finger are between the seams. When gripped properly your index, middle finger and thumb will form a backwards, “C.” Your ring and little finger will come to rest underneath the ball.
   
   Remember you want to put a much forward spin on the ball as possible, so make sure that you are not applying to much pressure with you ring and pinky finger.

2. 
    
   Movement that creates forward spin

   2. To make the ball break from 12 o’clock to 6 o’clock you must put forward spin on it. When you throw the ball make sure that, as your arm comes through the throwing motion, your index and middle finger end up facing the batter. As you release the ball you will, “break” your wrist forward, letting the ball spin forward out of your hand. This motion will put forward spin on the ball which will cause the ball to “dive” downwards.

3. That’s it! Pretty simple, huh? As with any pitch it will take a good deal of practice before the motion feels right and you are able to throw correctly. One common thing that happens when you first begin to throw this pitch is that the ball will hit the dirt shot of the batter. That’s OK, just keep throwing and feeling the pitch and soon enough you will bending batter’s knees!!

Tips & Warnings

• Remember, always give pitcher positive reinforcement, this pitch may take time to learn.