Comments on: How to Throw a Fastball

on 11/22/2005 The curveball is a great pitch, but early pitchers should not be throwing it. Early pitchers should learn to develop good velocity and a change-up to change speeds. If you are a new pitcher, please save your arm and don't learn to throw a curveball.

on 11/22/2005 This pitch moves as fast as a four seam, but has good backward rotation and can dive, sometimes even rise. Place your fingers across the seams at their closest point. It should look like this :][ . The dots should be your fingertips, and like I said, the rest of your two fingers should be across the seams. Throw like a normal fastball, but snap your wrist at the end. This is a good pitch for an two strike count, when facing a batter who can't quite catch your fastball, but has a beat on your breaking pitches.

on 11/22/2005 Grip the ball as you would a 2-seamer, but perpendicular to the seams. As you're about to release the ball, flick your wrist down to add a sink to your pitch.

on 11/22/2005 The fast ball all depends on the mechanics, if they are good, then the pitch will be good. Location is another key. If you leave an area fat, anyone can hit it (no matter how hard you throw). You need a hard pull through and snap to your wrist, to add even more speed. This works for the two and four seam fast ball. The two seam will have good movement to it, if you snap your wrist good. The four seam will have a bit of a rise to it if thrown this way.

on 11/22/2005 You have to run, run, run, run, run. You can't run enough. If your legs are stronger, you last longer (it takes more stress off your pitching arm). After you throw, run. Ice your arm when you're finished practicing.

on 11/22/2005 The secret to developing an explosive fastball, pin-point control, and a bullet-proof injury-resistant arm is using the elastic energy of the lower body to deliver the arm like a whip.

on 11/22/2005 Divide the game into thirds (if you play a nine inning game), or divide the game into 2 halves and 1/3 (which equals 7 innings). In the 7 inning game, use the first 3 innings to establish a good fastball and mix in 2-3 curveballs. After you establish a good velocity pitch, bring in the curve, which should be used 5-6 times in the next two innings. In the final 2 innings of the game, you want to bring in the changeup. Bringing in the changeup will throw the batters off, because they figure that they have learned your timing by now. By doing this, you will have the game in hand, and you should throw more wins for your team. Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 One trick I have been using for a cut fastball that works really well is to hold the ball similar to a 4 seam fastball (but slightly more in the fingertips than a standard fastball), but make sure to crowd the horseshoe part of the seam with the middle finger, as you will need this for leverage to impart spin. If the back of the right hander's hand is facing the monitor, the seam to focus on would look like this ) in a 4 seam grip. Pitch the ball just like you would a sinker in terms of pronating (getting on top of the pitch with your fingers) with NO sideways twisting action. Just release it off the seam with the wrist pushing through the baseball and off to the left. You can throw this pitch with practice easily 85% as fast as your fastball, and it will have good tailing outward action to a right handed hitter from a right handed pitcher. It's a good 2 strike pitch down and away, and if you can make it look like a corner strike, it will break out of the zone and provides a good chance of getting a strikeout. It's also a great 2 strike pitch inside and let it tail back over the inside corner to a right handed batter and either you'll jam them or they'll hit it very weakly. And if you're in a wooden bat league like mine, it means new lumber, AND the ball doesn't leave the infield.

on 11/22/2005 You throw a two seam fastball with your index and thumb fingers. You put your index finger on the shortest point of the lace and your thumb at the bottom left hand. Throw it as hard as you can.

on 11/22/2005 First, you grip the ball with your index and middle fingers so that you aren't touching any seams with your fingers. Then you wind-up and throw the ball. When you get ready to release the ball, you slightly turn your hand to the left.

on 11/22/2005 If you want to get the most out of your fastball, then you need to condition properly. For a pitcher I would recommend deadlifts, squats, tricep kickbacks, and front lateral raises. You need to put a heavy emphasis on your legs because that is where a pitcher's drive comes from. A pitcher with strong legs will be able to maintain their velocity longer into the game and are less likely to suffer an arm injury because it takes pressure off your arm. When your legs tire, you'll be up in the strike zone and have less velocity which is not a good combination. Also, it is important to have good, strong shoulders to avoid an injury to your rotator cuff. Running can't be overlooked...You can never run too much. Something that most people probably don't think much of is the way they hold their fastball. Some people squeeze the ball so hard they're robbing themselves of a lot of life...They lose movement, speed and control.

on 11/22/2005 I am only 11 years old and I already throw 65 MPH...My secret is to practice. Go out and warm up, then when you're ready, throw to a family member or friend as hard as you can for about half an hour every 3 days.

on 11/22/2005 Throwing a two seam fast ball is the smartest pitch to throw while pitching because it has movement and is fast and under control. Once you have learned that you should be ready for a curve ball. Most people throw it with a four seam grip but I like the single seam with your index and middle finger raised up slightly on the left seam then your thumb underneath on your bottom seam (with your other fingers resting in between the two seams). Wind up and throw like a regular pitch but when you get to the top of your wind up, you should jerk your wrist outside for a good effect. Another great pitch to throw while learning is a sinker. Most people think it's one of the hardest pitches to throw but it's not. Grip the ball like a curve and just before the release of the ball, put your palm up and slightly bend your knees...It will put a nice dip on the ball for a great pitch. Master these and you should be able to be a great pitcher.

on 11/22/2005 If you flick your wrist downwards quickly, it will go pretty fast.

on 11/22/2005 In order to be an effective power pitcher, you should learn to throw both a 2-seamer and a 4-seamer, and, if you have no other pitches, a cutter.

Also, if you find yourself in a fastball count, such as 3-0, 3-1, 3-2 or 2-0, never throw a 4-seamer. Use a 2-seamer or a cutter for movement.