How To Throw A CurveBall
There are many different websites and coaches that can give you instructions on how to throw a curveball. Some are very valid and good information while others can lead to injury. When a pitcher is learning how to throw a curveball, it will require quite a bit of practice as the form is a bit different than throwing a regular pitch.
The First Step For How To Throw A CurveBall
First for a basic curveball you will hold the ball with your middle and index finger. One finger should be on either side of the area on the ball where the seams are closest together. You sue the same motion as if you were throwing a fast ball with the exception of the fact that your palm will but facing in. You also will stretch your arm back and have a very slight bend to the elbow. You will want to shorten your stride just a bit so you can be more on top of the ball.
Some coaches will tell you that you should snap your wrist when you throw. This isn’t recommended as it can
cause injuries. Instead you will let the ball basically roll off your index finger while added a bit of spin to it with your thumb and middle finger. You will let the ball go when your arm is a bit past your head. As you complete the follow through your arm will end up resting at the opposite hip.
There are a few variations to the curve ball as well. These include the 12-6 curve and the 10-4 curve. Both use slight variations to the above listed steps in order to change the curve slightly. The 12-6 curve is a slider that will cause the ball to drop from top to bottom while the 10-4 slider, which is also called the 2-8 curve ball for right handers, is a more traditional type curve ball. The variations in the curve is created by different pressure points used on the ball with the thumb and fingers, causing the ball to have a different spin which will direct the curve.
Tips for throwing the ball are numerous, but there are a few that are important to bear in mind while learning how to throw a curveball. First remember that the closer you snap your wrist to your body the more straight and sharp the curve ends up. An example of this is known as the table top curve. This pitch will break straight down, but does so late in the pitch causing the batter to believe it is a fast ball.
When a pitcher has perfected his curve ball he will learn that aiming behind the batter is the most effective technique of all. It startles the batter into thinking the ball will hit them and causes them to step away from the plate. For a really easy way to get started the pitcher should consider the arm motion of throwing a curve as if they are holding a hammer and hitting a nail. The motion is nearly identical and will produce very good results.
I hope you found this post on how to throw a curveball useful.






