How Do You Throw A Slider In Baseball?

If you’re looking to add a slider to your baseball repertoire, here’s how to do it. Throwing a slider is all about getting the right grip and release, and with a little practice, you’ll be throwing them like a pro in no time.

Introduction

A slider is a breaking pitch in baseball that is thrown with moderate velocity and breaks sharply away from a right-handed hitter, or in to a left-hander. It is similar to a cutter, but it is generally thrown with less velocity and doesn’t break as sharply. The slider is also known as a slurve.

The Grip

There are a few different ways to grip a slider, but the two-seam grip is the most popular, and it’s the grip we’ll focus on here.

To throw a two-seam slider, start by placing your index and middle fingers along the seam of the baseball. Your index finger should be on top of the ball, while your middle finger should be on bottom. Then, place your thumb on the back side of the baseball, opposite your fingers.

Once you have the ball properly positioned in your hand, cock your wrist towards your body and bring the ball behind your head. As you come forward, release the ball from your hand and follow through towards the catcher.

The Windup

The windup is the first part of the pitching motion. It starts with the pitcher taking a step back with the non-pitching foot, lifting both feet off the ground, and then either coming to a set position or beginning the forward momentum needed to deliver the pitch. Some pitchers hold their glove at waist level during the windup, while others begin raising it as they stride forward. When coming to a set position, pitchers square their hips and shoulders and raise their glove arm along their head before pausing for a moment and then continuing on with their delivery.

The Release

There are a few different ways to throw a slider in baseball, but the most common is with what’s called an abbreviated windup. To do this, start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your weight balanced. If you’re right-handed, bring your glove up to your face and then step forward with your left foot while bringing your right arm back. As you do this, twist your wrist so that the ball is facing sideways, with the seam running across the top.

Conclusion

A slider is a breaking pitch that is thrown faster than a curveball but with less movement than a fastball. It is meant to deceive the batter into thinking it is a fastball but then break late as it reaches the plate. Sliders generally have a spin rate that falls between that of a curveball and fastball, which also contributes to the deception.