How to Hold a Baseball for Different Pitches

Do you want to know how to hold a baseball for different pitches? Here’s a quick guide that will show you the different ways to grip the ball depending on what type of pitch you’re throwing.

Introduction

Different pitches require different gripes on the baseball. The following guide will show you how to hold a baseball for different pitches.

fastball: For a fastball, grip the ball with your index and middle finger along the seam of the ball. Place your thumb on the back side of the ball opposite your fingers (as if you were holding a hammer).

curveball: For a curveball, grip the ball with your index and middle finger along the seam of the ball. Place your thumb on top of the ball opposite your fingers. Bend your wrist forward so that your thumb is pointing toward the ground when you release the ball.

slider: For a slider, grip the ball with your index and middle finger along the seam of the ball. Place your thumb on top of the ball opposite your fingers (as if you were holding a hammer). Bend your wrist forward so that your thumb is pointing toward the ground when you release the ball.

The Four-Seam Fastball Grip

Hold the ball with your index and middle fingers across the narrow seams and your thumb beneath the ball on the smooth leather. Place your thumb and fingers so that the baseball is resting in the very center of your hand, with your index finger along the bottom seam.

The Two-Seam Fastball Grip

The two-seam fastball is thrown with the two fingers closest to the seam on top of the ball. The thumb is placed on the bottom of the ball opposite the two fingers. This is where the “two-seam” name comes from because these are the only two fingers touching the seams of the baseball. The forefinger is placed behind the baseball, and not touching any seams. The ring finger and little finger are not used in this grip.

The Curveball Grip

The curveball grip is similar to the fastball grip, but the ball is positioned different in the hand. For a right-handed pitcher, the curveball is held with the right hand and it rests on the outer half of the index finger. The thumb and middle finger support the bottom of the ball while the ring finger hangs off to the side. For a left-handed pitcher, it’s just the opposite — hold the ball with the left hand on the outer half of the index finger.

The key to throwing a curveball is to apply pressure to the top of the baseball with your index finger. As you release the ball, snap your wrist so that your fingers roll over the top of the ball. This will cause spin on the ball and make it break or curve as it approaches home plate.

The Slider Grip

The slider grip is one of the most popular grips for all types of pitches, especially the fastball. To throw a slider, put your index and middle fingers right on top of each other on the inner half of the baseball, and your thumb on the outer half. Your pinky and ring finger should just be touching the baseball. When you throw a slider, you want to snap your wrist as you release the ball; this gives it spin and movement.

The Changeup Grip

One of the most difficult pitches for a hitter to understand is the changeup. Many times, they don’t know whether to swing or take. It is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball, but griped with the fingers differently. The goal is to make it look like a fastball coming in, but then to have it “changeup” or slow down as it approaches the plate.

To Grip a Changeup:
-Put your index and middle finger across the top of the ball, close to the seems
-Hold the ball in your fingertips and ring finger with moderate pressure
-Your thumb should be on the bottom of the baseball in order to properly balance it in your hand
-As you throw it, snap off your wrist motion and relax your grip at the last moment

Conclusion

Now that you know the different ways to hold a baseball for different pitches, you can impress your friends at your next game. With a little practice, you’ll be throwing strikes in no time.