How to Pitch a Curveball

The curveball is one of the hardest pitches for a batter to hit successfully. That's why it is an essential element of any good pitcher's arsenal. Learning and perfecting the mechanics of the curveball will take a lot of practice and a lot of patience, but the results will speak for themselves.

Instructions

1. Place the middle finger of your pitching hand on the inside seam of the baseball. Apply some pressure to the ball with this finger.

2. Place your index finger on the ball as close to your middle finger as possible.

3. Place the knuckle on your ring finger under the ball. The knuckle should be resting on the same seam as your middle finger. Rest the side of the thumb on top of the seam.

4. Wind up for the pitch. Step forward with your front foot, draw back your pitching arm and push off your back foot as you begin the motion of throwing the ball.

5. Bring your arm down in a chopping motion as you release the ball. Make sure you follow through--don't stop as soon as the ball leaves your hand. The motion of the curveball is a smooth, chop-like motion rather than a snapping of the wrist.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Baseball Tips: Curveball
• How And When To Throw A Curveball