The curveball is one of the most famous throws in baseball. The curveball is thrown in such a way that the ball dips down as it approaches the plate. The basic difference between the various types of curveball (basic, index-up, and knuckle curve) is in the grip and speed of the ball.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Grasping the Basic Curveball
Step 1. Use a four-seam grip
Hold the ball so that two stitches are visible in the front and two stitches are visible in the back. For most pitchers, the four-seam grip is more effective for throwing curveballs than the two-seam grip. This grip allows the pitcher to throw the ball from any angle, as long as the hand grips behind the ball and is thrown with a flicking motion.
A two-stitched grip is used for throwing fastballs. The ball thrown with this grip turns left or right, while in curveball the ball must dive down
Step 2. Lift your middle and index fingers as if to make a "peace" sign
Place the ball in the palm of your hand and flex your index and middle fingers so that they grip the top of the ball. Bend your ring finger so that the ball rests on its side.
Step 3. Position your thumb and middle finger
Place your middle finger along the middle seam (on the little side) and your thumb on the seam towards the back of the ball
Step 4. Separate the tips of the thumb and ring fingers
now the thumb should be at the base of the ball as opposed to the middle finger, with these two fingers resembling the letter "C" around the ball.
- Your grip should be firm but not too strong. Your thumb should still be able to wag behind the ball when it's thrown.
- Don't strangle the ball. Make sure there is some space between your thumb and forefinger, and a small space between your thumb and ring finger.
Step 5. Throw the ball by snapping your thumb and middle finger
When throwing a curveball, extend the back of the wrist. When releasing the ball, "flick" your thumb and middle finger together while flicking your wrist. At this time, your middle finger rotates down and your thumb rotates up to create a centripetal (twisting) force to cause the ball to spin toward the plate.
- Increase the breakthrough power of the change-up curveball by increasing grip depth.
- Experiment by slightly changing the grip depth and the position of the fingers (thumb and middle finger). Find a ball grip that is comfortable and matches your throwing style.
Method 2 of 3: Grasping the Index-Up Curveball
Step 1. Use a modified four-seam grip
The index-up grip throw is similar to the basic curveball, with the exception that the index finger remains relaxed and pointed up. This grip is suitable for beginners as the index finger can help direct the ball towards the target.
Use this pitch to practice your curveball technique, but don't use it in a match. Experienced hitters will be able to see the raised forefinger and predict where the ball was thrown
Step 2. Raise your middle and index fingers
Bend your middle finger, and let your index finger lift upwards. Place the ball in your palm and rest the base of the ball against the side of your ring finger.
Step 3. Position the middle finger and thumb
Place your thumb behind the ball so it is along the bottom seam. Position your middle finger along the top seam opposite your thumb. At this point your thumb and middle finger should form a "C" while your index finger is facing up.
Step 4. Get ready to throw the ball
The index finger remains elevated and relaxed, while the ball is firmly grasped by the thumb (base of the ball) and middle finger (top of the ball). The grip should be firm, but the wrist and forearm relaxed.
Step 5. Throw by snapping thumb and middle finger together
When throwing, the thumb rotates up and the middle finger rotates down. Use your index finger to control the direction of the ball. The ball will be thrown in the direction pointed by the index finger.
- The index finger is not needed to throw the ball, all the twisting of the ball is produced by the thumb and middle fingers.
- When throwing, your elbows should be at or above your shoulders. Your hands and wrists should form a straight vertical line with your forearms.
- Keep the forearm and wrist muscles relaxed until just before throwing the ball. Contract it firmly and flick your wrist quickly forward and inward, so that the ball rolls over your middle finger.
Method 3 of 3: Grasping the Knucklecurve Throw
Step 1. Use an advanced four-stitching grip
In this throw, the ball is grasped with the thumb, middle finger and knuckle of the index finger. This grip makes the ball dive deeper and longer (closer to the bat). This throw is more difficult to make, but the knuckle curves increase speed without sacrificing ball spin.
- The average speed of the knucklecurve is 4 km/h, faster than a regular curveball.
- More than a quarter of the curveballs MLB pitchers threw in 2013 were knucklecurves.
Step 2. Make a "peace" sign with your middle and index fingers
Place the ball in your palms so that the seam bends to the sides of the ball. Bend your middle finger on the top of the ball so that it is along the seam. Then, slightly bend your index finger so that the knuckle is on top of the ball right next to your middle finger.
Assume that your middle knuckle is “digging” into the top of the ball
Step 3. Position your thumb and middle finger
Place your thumb and middle fingers in the same way as any other curveball. Your thumb should be along the seam at the bottom of the ball so that it forms the letter "C" with your middle finger. Secure the bottom of the ball by bending your ring finger and resting the ball on the first and second joints.
Step 4. Use your knuckle as a pivot point to throw the ball
Throw the ball like throwing a regular curveball. When the ball is released, snap the middle finger and thumb together so that it pivots against the knuckle of the index finger. This will help generate the speed and spin required for the ball to reach its target and break or curve downwards.
Tips
- When throwing a curveball, the middle finger should always be in the lead.
- The ball will not dive sharply when it reaches the plate. A good curveball dives no more than 25 centimeters from pitcher to plate, but still enters the hitter's strike zone
- The farther the distance from the ball, the sharper the dive.
- The fingernails on the throwing hand are kept short and groomed. Long, uneven nails will affect your grip on the ball.
- Strengthen fingernails with clear nail polish, or nail polish.
- Begin with standard grips or index-ups before moving on to the knucklecurve.
- Stretch and warm up before throwing a ball. Ask the trainer for directions on the correct stretching technique.
- Do not strangle the ball too much because it will reduce rotation.
- Do not grip the ball too loosely as it will be difficult to control and may fall out of your hand.
- Long throws off the mound for a few minutes, gradually increasing the speed with each throw, are a good warm-up.
- Throw far beyond the mound for a few minutes, gradually increasing the speed of the throw. This is a great warm-up and helps you relax before you get on the mound.
- Don't throw more than 5-6 curveballs in a row to avoid burnout, both in practice and in matches.
Warning
- Beginner pitchers are advised not to throw, especially curveballs, for more than 15 minutes to prevent injury and fatigue.
- The following are movements that put additional stress on the wrist and arm when throwing a curveball: the hand and fingers roll under the ball when released, the pitcher flicks the hand and wrist straight down, the elbow is too low (under the shoulder) or down too far throwing the ball, and the pitcher is still inexperienced or not warming up properly.
- Curveball should be avoided until the pitcher is past puberty to avoid the risk of serious injury. Curveball throwing should not be taught before entering high school.
- If you feel pain or stiffness in your elbows, wrists or fingers, stop the exercise immediately and rest. Consult a physical therapist or athlete's doctor before resuming training.
