Knuckleball is one of the most difficult throws to make. However, the knuckleball is also one of the hardest to hit. This throw will stun the hitter because the ball moves in several directions as it approaches the plate. This throw is also safe because it does not overload the arm and shoulder muscles and maintains the stamina to throw in a match that lasts quite a long time. By learning the different grips of knuckleball and proper practice, you too can take advantage of this unique and effective throw in a match.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Experimenting with Different Grips
Step 1. Try the two-knuckle grip
Curl your middle and index fingers so that the ends are facing downwards. Place your fingers exactly at the seams of the horseshoe-shaped ball. Baseballs have four sections that are stitched in a horseshoe shape, and you can choose one.
- Insert two of your fingernails into the center of the seam behind the horseshoe shape. Press firmly enough to grip the ball tightly, but be careful not to injure your fingernails or fingertips.
- Stabilize the ball with your thumb and ring finger on the reverse side.
Step 2. Try the three-knuckle grip. Curl your middle, index, and ring fingers so that the ends are facing down. Grip the ball so that your fingers are exactly at the seams of the horseshoe-shaped ball.
- Insert your three fingernails into the center of the seam behind the horseshoe. Press firmly enough so that the ball is gripped tightly without injuring the tips of your fingers.
- Stabilize the ball with your thumb and little finger on the reverse side.
Step 3. Try the four-knuckle grip
Curl your index, middle, ring, and little fingers so that the ends are facing downwards. Grip the ball so that your fingers are exactly at the seams of the horseshoe-shaped ball.
- Insert your four fingernails into the center of the seam behind the horseshoe. Press firmly so that the ball is gripped tightly without injuring your fingertips.
- Rest your thumb at the side and slightly under the ball. This is the best point of stability for this grip. It's a good idea to have a firm grip on the ball so you can control the ball.
Step 4. Throw the ball from the fingertips
Don't plant your knuckles into the ball. Although initially the knuckleball is thrown with the knuckles pointing at the ball, this method is not very effective. You are trying to reduce the number of spins on the ball. If the ball is gripped with the knuckles, it may spin more than it should. As a result, the ball will spin more, move less, and be more easily hit by the opponent.
Method 2 of 3: Throwing a Knuckleball
Step 1. Perform fastball arm movement
Do normal windups, with regular fastball movements until you reach the ball release point. A knuckleball is supposed to be similar to a fastball until the pitcher shows the ball before it leaves his hand. Don't let your opponent's bat find out what type of throw you're making.
Do not change your arm slot. Your throw can turn into a slow lob if the arm angle is changed
Step 2. Keep your wrists as you release the ball
This part is important to reduce the spin of the ball. When throwing a fastball, you usually move your wrist down as the ball is released. Thus, the ball will spin steadily and slide straight to the opponent. In the knuckleball, you are trying to throw a non-rotating ball.
- Extend your fingertips as you release the ball to minimize spin.
- Try to let your knuckles be at the top of your hand as you release the ball. This will minimize the spin of the ball when it is released.
Step 3. Perfect your ball release
Let the ball slide through your hand by releasing your thumb from the grip. Follow up and finish like throwing any other pitch.
Method 3 of 3: Optimizing the Knuckleball Throw
Step 1. Identify an opponent who is an easy target for a knuckleball throw
A bat who prefers fastball to breaking ball will find it difficult to hit the knuckleball. Ask a teammate or watch your opponent play against another team.
A bat who tends to be impatient and swings a lot will also have a hard time hitting the knuckleball
Step 2. Know when to throw the knuckleball
If you use it too often, your knuckleball will be easy to anticipate, especially if you're just getting the hang of it and are still working on perfecting your technique. At first, use it to get a strikeout or as a throwaway throw.
- Make this throw when you get two strikes, unless you are on a full count (the team has two strikes and three balls).
- If you're using it as a throw-away, try to knuckleball only once per inning or less.
Step 3. Practice with throw and catch
Knuckleballs are easier to throw when playing catch. After warming up, stand 9 meters away from your partner and practice your grip and knuckleball moves before putting them into practice.
Step 4. Practice throwing straight
Lie down and throw the knuckleball up. This method will practice gripping and releasing the ball. Also, this will help you get used to keeping your wrist up when releasing the ball.
Step 5. Practice by playing hot potato
Try playing hot-potato without rotation with friends and teammates. For added challenge, try getting everyone to just throw a knuckleball.
