How To Grip A Baseball For Maximum Velocity

If you want to know how to grip a baseball for maximum velocity, then you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll show you the proper way to grip a baseball so you can throw it as hard as you possibly can.

The Four-Seam Fastball Grip

The four-seam fastball is the easiest pitch to throw and has the least amount of movement, making it the best pitch to learn first.

How to grip it: Place your index and middle fingers along the seems of the baseball. Your thumb should rest underneath the ball, opposite your middle finger

This grip will give you the most velocity and is considered the most effective pitch in baseball

The Two-Seam Fastball Grip

The two-seam fastball is one of the most effective pitches in baseball, and it is thrown by gripping the baseball with the index and middle fingers along the narrow seams. The ball is then placed in the fingertips so that the two fingers sit across from each other on either side of the ball. The thumb should be placed on top of the baseball in between the two fingers in order to secure it (source).

This grip allows the pitcher to get good spin on the ball and generate more velocity than if they were to throw a four-seam fastball. It is important to note that pitchers who use a two-seam Fastball Grip do not necessarily have to use a different throwing motion than those who throw a four-seam fastball. However, it is generally advisable to use a slightly different arm slot when throwing a two-seam fastball in order to get more movement on the pitch.

The circle changeup Grip

A circle changeup is a type of off-speed pitch in baseball thrown with a grip that forms a circle. The pitch is meant to look like a fastball but slow down as it approaches the plate, making it harder for hitters to adjust and make contact The most common grip is placing the index and middle fingers on opposite seams of the baseball, with the thumb underneath the ball. For right-handed pitchers, this means that the circle is formed on the right side of the baseball.

The Cutter Grip

The cutter grip is very similar to a standard four-seam fastball grip, except for one key difference. Instead of holding the baseball with your index and middle finger along the seams, you want to place your index finger directly on top of the seam. By doing so, you increase the amount of spin you can get on the ball. This extra spin makes the ball “cut” or “break” more than a traditional four-seam fastball.

The cutter is most effective when thrown at speeds between 86-92 MPH, but can be thrown harder or softer depending on the pitcher’s preference. It is important to note that the cutter is not a slider, despite the similar grips. The slider is a breaking pitch that relies mainly on friction to break, while the cutter relies on spin.

The Splitter Grip

The splitter grip is one of the most important grips a pitcher can use to increase velocity on their pitches. This grip is used to throw fastballs and splitters. The grip is named after the pitch it is used to throw, the splitter.

To throw a splitter, the pitcher must put their index and middle fingers together on top of the baseball and their thumb on the bottom of the ball, opposite their other two fingers (as seen in the image below). These fingers should then be placed in the middle of the seams on the ball. The ring finger and pinky are not needed for this grip and can be curled underneath the baseball or left off entirely.


This grip is important because it allows pitchers to throw with more velocity while still maintaining control of their pitches. Many pitchers who have trouble Throwing strikes often use this grip to increase their chances of throwing strikes. While this grip will not make you throw harder automatically, it will give you the ability to if you practice with it enough.

The Knuckleball Grip

The knuckleball grip is perhaps the most unique and unusual grip in baseball. It’s also one of the most difficult to master. The basic idea behind the knuckleball grip is to hold the ball with the fingertips, not the fingertips and the fingers. This gives the pitch its distinctive spin, or lack thereof.

To grip a knuckleball, start by holding the ball in your hand. Spread your fingers out as far as possible, and then Curl them around the ball so that your nails are touching the surface of the ball. Your thumb should be on top of the ball, not underneath it.

As you release the ball you want to snap your wrist and fingers downward, giving it a spin. The goal is to get the ball to rotate about 1/4 turn before it leaves your hand. If you can do this consistently, you’ll be well on your way to throwing a successful knuckleball.

The Screwball Grip

The screwball grip is a variation of the two-seam fastball grip. The only difference is how you orient your index and middle fingers. For a screwball, you curl your index finger towards your thumb and place your middle finger on top of it. This puts more pressure on the outer half of the ball, which makes it spin like a top when released. The result is a pitch that breaks in the opposite direction of a curveball — away from a right-handed batter and towards a lefty.

To grip a screwball, start by holding the baseball in your glove in your normal two-seam fastball grip. Then, take your index finger and curl it over so that it rests on top of your middle finger. Make sure you neither add or remove pressure with either finger — just let them rest comfortably on top of each other.

The Forkball Grip

The forkball grip is one of the most effective ways to grip a baseball for maximum velocity. The way you grip the ball can have a big impact on how fast you can throw it. This grip puts your fingers in the right position to generate spin and velocity.

To throw a forkball start by holding the baseball in your pitching hand. Place your thumb on top of the ball and wrap your fingers around it. Put your middle finger and index finger close together on one side of the ball, and your ring finger and little finger close together on the other side. Your fingers should be spread out as far as possible while still maintaining control of the ball.

When you release the ball, do so with an effortless motion. Allow your fingers to come off the ball naturally without putting any extra spin on it. The key is to let the ball do the work for you. Follow through with your arm after you release the ball to add extra velocity.

The Palmball Grip

One of the most commonly used pitches in baseball is the palmball. The palmball is thrown with speed and movement that often surprises hitters, making it an effective pitch to have in your repertoire. To throw a palmball, grip the baseball in your hand so that your index and middle fingers are on top of the seams and your thumb is underneath the ball, resting in the space between your index and middle fingers. Your ring finger and pinky should be curled underneath the ball. When you throw the ball, release it with your index and middle fingers slightly before your thumb. The movement should come from your wrist, not your arm. The palmball grip is similar to a fastball grip, but with the placement of your thumb reversed.

The Gyroball Grip

The Gyroball grip is a special way of holding a baseball that is said to increase the velocity of your pitches. The ball is held with the fingers and thumb in a way that creates spin on the ball, which in turn creates lift and can make the ball appear to defy gravity. Here’s how to grip a baseball for maximum velocity using the Gyroball grip:

-Start by holding the ball in your glove hand, with the palm facing up.
-Place your index finger and middle finger on either side of the seam of the baseball, and curl your ring finger and pinky down against the ball.
-Now, place your throwing hand over the top of the ball, so that your thumb and index finger are on either side of the seam.
-Curl your middle finger down against the bottom of the ball, and place your ring finger and pinky behind it.
-Grip the ball tightly with both hands, making sure that your fingers are not touching each other.
-Now you’re ready to throw!