Do you want to master a throw that will completely stun and stun the opponent's hitter? The sinker throw is usually thrown like a two-seam fastball, but the angle of the arm is different. This throw looks like a fastball at first and then drops, maybe even right in front of the bat! If you want to perfect your sinker throwing technique, check out these tips and tricks.
Step
Step 1. Master the sinker throw grip first
Place your middle and index fingers between the two inner seams, like a gripping two-seam fastball throw. Rest or tuck your thumb under the ball.
Step 2. Do a four seam grip for the adjusted sinker throw
Place your middle and index fingers so that they are perpendicular to the “U” shaped ball seam.
- This grip gives a sinker throw more cut, so you have to keep both fingers on the ball until it's out of your hand. If your hand actually covers the side of the ball, the throw will look more cut and turn into a cutter.
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Move your thumb from the 6 o'clock position to the 7 or 8 o'clock position. A thumb grip will force you to throw in a certain way and produce a sinker.
Throw a Sinker Step 3
Method 1 of 2: Throwing Sinker
Step 1. Keep your fingers on the ball until the ball is out of your hand
If you drop your finger on the side of the ball before it leaves your hand, the throw will look more like a cutter.
Step 2. Try to give the sinker topspin when the ball is out of hand
Topspin will give a clockwise rotation so that the ball moves to the non-handed bat (for non-handed pitchers).
Step 3. Try throwing the sinker ball at a lower arm angle than the fastball pitch
Lowering the angle of your arm will make the ball spin more naturally. In addition, the load on your arms is also reduced.
Step 4. Pay attention to other tricks
You can adjust the sinker in the following ways to change the motion of the ball:
- If you aim for the lower strike zone, the ball's falling motion will be even greater.
- If you accelerate your arm swing as you throw, the change in ball motion will be even greater.
- If you flick your wrist, the ball will fall more easily. However, this method will burden the wrist. Try it first to see if this method works for you or not.
Method 2 of 2: Another Way to Throw a Sinker
Step 1. Hold the ball the same as a 2-seam fastball handle
Step 2. Place your thumb on the bottom left of the ball (for left-handed pitchers) and on the bottom right of the ball (for left-handed throwers)
Step 3. Release the ball at a lower angle than a normal quick throw
Step 4. Flick your wrist down
Or, make a topspin to magnify the change in direction of the ball.
Tips
- Make sure you throw from above (overhand). Otherwise the throw will look more like a slider.
- Always make sure that you feel the ball rolling from your middle and index fingers.
- Don't make a high pitch because the ball won't go down.
- A good target point for sinker throws is below and slightly into the strike zone. The trick, aim at the waist of the bat and throw the sinker as usual.
- The more you bend your elbows, the more the ball spins and the bigger the ball changes direction.
- This throw is effective for keeping the ball on the ground if you can aim the ball to the bottom of the strike zone.
- It's best to use this throw when you have two strikes remaining. This throw can outwit many hitters, especially in youth-level baseball.
