Forkball is a much slower and harder to read version of the split-fingered fastball. In this throw the ball will dive too late so that the bat swings in the empty wind. This throw is quite difficult to do and is used less and less because it puts a lot of stress on the elbow and the risk of injury is quite high. Therefore, this throw is not recommended for players who are still growing and developing. However, if the forkball is successfully mastered, you already have the ultimate throw as a pitcher.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Grasping the Ball Correctly
Step 1. Grasp the ball with your middle and index fingers
The forkball is held between the middle and index fingers. Place these two fingers on the seam of the ball, just as you would grip on a two-seam fastball.
Step 2. Spread your fingers wide
The grip of the forkball is very wide. When both fingers are on the ball seam, open the fingers wider until they come out of the seam. This will give you a deeper grip than the split-fingered fastball.
Step 3. Slide your thumb under the ball
In a forkball grip, the greatest strength comes from the middle and index fingers. The thumb should be bent and under the ball. The role of the thumb is to hold the ball instead of gripping it.
Step 4. Make sure the ball goes between your middle and index fingers for a firm grip
The two main differences between a split-seam fastball grip and a forkball are the width of the fingers extended and into the ball grip. In forkball, the wider the spokes, the deeper the ball goes into the grip. Insert the ball as deep as possible in the grip so that the ball is comfortable to hold
Step 5. Don't push your finger too hard
Since the forkball requires a wide grip, it is easier to hold the ball if the throwing fingers are long. This is one of the reasons young players find it difficult to throw a forkball. Some teams in MLB even ban their young players from learning forkball because of the risk of injury.
Wide grip fingers put more weight on the elbows
Part 2 of 3: Throwing Forkball
Step 1. Pull your arms back
Forkball hand movements are basically the same as regular fastball. The wide grip is the main differentiating factor for producing a dropped forkball path in the final moments. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and facing the thrower straight, then start in a wind-up position. When you're about to throw, pull your arms back like a split-fingered fastball.
- Move the fulcrum slightly to the left (for right-handed pitchers) and pivot on the right foot so that it is next to the rubber and the outside of the foot presses against the mound.
- Raise your left leg so that your thigh is parallel or higher with the ground. With this movement your body will rotate to the right facing the third base plate.
- Return the throwing arm, keeping the left arm in front with the elbow bent.
Step 2. Extend your arms forward
Now is the time to throw. Keep the grip wide and firm. Hand movements are the same as fastball, but more rigid. Grip firmly, do not allow wrist to flex or rotate until ball is flicked before releasing.
- Start lowering your right leg without letting it touch the ground.
- While the above movement is done, step with this foot and start swinging the throwing arm.
- The forelegs land at a 75-degree angle from the plate.
- Push in the back leg, and pivot the front leg so it's at a 90-degree angle from the plate.
- While the above movement is done, extend the throwing hand as far as possible.
Step 3. Release the ball
When released, the ball must be thrown at the same point and height as the fastball and the elbow must be straight over the shoulder. This is done so that the hitter can't tell the difference between a fastball and a forkball. Thus, the bat's reaction to the forkball will be sluggish.
- The elbow of the throwing arm should be in line with the shoulder when the ball is released.
- Continue with the throwing arm and raise the back leg for added power.
- Forkballs are thrown vigorously like fastballs, but the difference in grip will decrease throwing speed.
Step 4. Flick your wrist during ball release
The second important factor in throwing a forkball is providing topspin upon releasing the ball. This way, the ball will spin forward instead of backwards so that the ball will fall as it reaches the bat.
Flicking the wrist can result in injury
Part 3 of 3: Coaching Forkball
Step 1. Concentrate on arm movement
A good throw requires a smooth-flowing body movement, but you can practice certain parts over and over again. One type of exercise that focuses on the movement of the throwing hand is the knee throwing drill. If you're throwing with your right hand, kneel on your right knee and throw the ball to a partner in this position.
For left-handed throwers, do it in the opposite position
Step 2. Focus on the wrist
Keep your wrists stiff. This is essential for throwing a good forkball, but it can be a bit difficult to practice alone. One great way to keep focus on the wrist is to hold the throwing arm so that it is bent at the elbow and the upper arm is in a vertical position. The catcher's hand holds just below the wrist. Keep your arms in this position and throw the ball using only your wrists and fingers.
Step 3. Practice throwing the ball against the wall
Do the exercise by throwing the ball against the wall. Circle the target on the wall and aim the tossed ball into the center of the target. Try recording this throwing exercise to learn how to move your wrist and the ball's path in slow motion.
If it is difficult to maintain balance, practice your balance position. Raise the front leg and pull the thrower's arm, holding it for a few seconds before throwing the ball
Step 4. Practice with a partner
Practice with friends will be more fun. Play catch and throw some forkballs in your pitch. If your friend is fooled by the way the ball falls, it means the forkball was thrown well. Also practice with the catcher (/catcher) to get good advice on the path of the ball toss.
Ask a friend, parent or coach to keep an eye on your pitch. Who knows they may have suggestions for perfecting your forkball
Step 5. Don't be too pushy
This throw is difficult to master and risks injury. Do not overtrain and stop if your elbow, wrist or fingers hurt.
Tips
- Don't throw too hard. What matters is the location.
- Make sure someone competent is supervising your practice.
- When throwing a forkball, don't twist your wrist like a curveball. Make sure your arms stay straight.
- Stretch the tendons between your middle and index fingers for a month before getting serious about practicing this throw.
- Always warm up before throwing to avoid injury.
- The elbow should stop beyond the wrist when the throw is made.
- Be patient! Forkball is quite difficult to control and train. Mastering it may take years.
- The tossed ball will fall, but sometimes it's hard to predict like a knuckleball.
- Don't forget to have fun
