How to Throw a Knuckle Curve Ball

The catcher will signal the pitcher for the knuckle curve.

The knuckle curve ball is a variation of the curve ball. However, instead of placing the index and middle fingers together on the throwing hand, the index finger is bent, while the middle finger is extended along the ball. Some pitchers feel this allows them to grip the baseball deeper into the palm of their hand. The knuckle curve does have a significant amount of rotation, as does a traditional curve ball. This is not to confused with a knuckle ball, which has virtually no rotation as it dances toward the plate.

Instructions

1. The knuckle curve grip requires bending your index finger so that the first knuckle rests against the semi-circle portion of the baseball seam. Your middle finger will be extended along the other seam. Your thumb will rest along the bottom of half of the baseball, while your ring finger and pinkie will rest on the bottom side of other half of the baseball.

2. Set yourself on the pitching rubber. If you are pitching from the wind-up, you will be facing the plate straight ahead. If you are pitching from the stretch your front shoulder will be facing the plate.

3. It is important to keep your motion the same for each pitch you throw. Whether you are pitching from the stretch or the wind-up, you do not want the batter to be able to distinguish what pitch you are throwing. As your body drives toward home plate, pay attention to your glove hand. It should be pointed directly at home plate. If not, it means your balance is off and the baseball will be pitched where the arm is pointing.

4. As your pitching arm moves forward, you will find the point of release that feels most comfortable for you when throwing the knuckle curve. Things such as your height, arm slot and even mound height will cause this to vary from player to player. However, the important thing to remember is that, upon the release of the baseball, your wrist snaps downward, causing your palm to face upward. This will put the spin on the baseball that will allow the knuckle curve to break as it reaches home plate. The pitch will break down to the right if you are left-handed and down to the left if you are right-handed.

5. Allow the rest of your body to follow through. After the release your pitching arm will continue downward and actual move across the center of your body. You will end in a slightly-crouched position.

Tips & Warnings

• You need short, well-manicured nails to throw this pitch. If you have long fingernails they might bend against the baseball, which will make it tough for you to achieve the proper grip.

• If your fingernails are weak, apply nail polish or finger nail strengthener to build them up.

References

• The Complete Pitcher: Pitching Grips