How To Throw A Filthy Curveball
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Do you know how to throw a curve ball?
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about throwing a curveball that goes beyond "dirty" or "nasty" and usually involves embarrassing the batter...
But first, check out this breaking ball from Clayton Kershaw...
It's hard not to watch Clayton Kershaw curveballs like this one all day, as they effortlessly fall into the zone over and over again:
The curve is unique in that its rotation is from top to bottom, rather than from bottom to top like the fastball.
This action results in being released forward, in the direction of the fingers toward the batter.
On this particular pitch, the hand speed transfers leverage to the front of the ball to get that 12-6 movement that makes the curveball so effective.
The curveball is often a strikeout pitch. It dives down as it gets to home plate. The velocity is as effective as the movement to create deception and disrupt a hitter's timing because it's usually much slower than a fastball.
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Curveball grip
So what's the secret to a good curveball?
Let's take a closer look at how to grip and throw the curveball...
- Grip a baseball and place your index finger on the ball.
- Place your middle finger along the bottom seam of the baseball.
- Place your thumb on the back seam.
- When this pitch is thrown, your thumb should rotate upward and your middle finger should snap downward.
- The arm action is a little abbreviated at the end. Bring your throwing hand elbow to the opposite hip which will shorten your follow through, but, will permit you to snap off the pitch.
More images of curveball grips
DID YOU KNOW?
The curve is unusual in that it rotates from top to bottom, rather than from
bottom to top like the fastball.
That's because instead of being released forward, in the
direction of the fingers toward the batter, the curve is thrown with the wrist
cocked so that the thumb is on top.
With the arm coming down, the ball
rolls over the outside of the index finger, causing a downward spin.
The
curve sinks dramatically and can be thrown for a strike or as a "miss"
pitch. Depending on the arm position of the individual pitcher —
straight over the top or more sidearm — the ball might also
break across the plate and wind up outside.
On this pitch,
having the hand speed to transfer leverage to the front of
the ball is more important than arm strength.
My favorite GIF of throwing a curveball
Put it all together, and it looks like this...
Here's a great curveball from Cy Young winner Corey Kluber:
Man, that's such a great pitch right there!
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What do you think?
Now it's time to hear from you:
Are there any curveball grips, tips or techniques that I missed?
Or maybe you have an idea of how I can make this article even better.
Either way, leave a comment and let me know.
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