How To Throw A Filthy Sinker
Home Articles Sinker Pitch & Grips
Learn about my workout programs for pitchers
Build functional strength the right way. Explore my pitching workouts and throwing programs for players who work hard and don't make excuses.

Do you know how to throw a sinker?
In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about throwing a sinker that goes beyond "dirty" or "nasty" and usually involves embarrassing the batter...
But first, check out the sinking action on this fastball from pitcher Chris Heston:

That's such a great pitch, and he really gets some good movement on it.
I think we all have a soft spot for sinkers that move back onto the plate to catch a hitter looking, and Heston often has a few up his sleeve each night.
A sinker or a true sinking fastball is a heavy pitch.
In other words, it shouldn't explode off the bat.
The main purpose of the sinker is to produce ground balls; the pitch should move slightly (a couple of inches) to result in a ground ball.
FREE NEWSLETTER
Sign up for my daily pitching tips e-mail newsletter
For exclusive tips and insights not found on the site.
Click here to subscribe
Sinker grip
So what's the secret to a good sinker?
Let's take a closer look at how to grip and throw the sinker...

- Turn your hand outward, almost like a screwball. You will be throwing the inside half of the ball, resulting in side spin.
- The key is the arm action of the follow through. After throwing, force your pitching thumb to graze your lead leg. It's erroneous to believe the follow through should go past the outer leg with the little finger past your thigh. This counterproductive action straightens the ball.
- Practice turning your pitching hand inward. Allow your thumb to pass your leg while your fingers remain on the outside to provide an excellent sink to the ball!

More images of sinker grips

My favorite GIFs of throwing a sinker ball
Put it all together, and it looks like this...
Here's another terrific sinker from pitcher Chris Heston:

And then check out this nasty sinker from pitcher Phil Hughes:

If you ask me, I say it's always satisfying to watch a pitch with solid ride and drop fall just out of reach of a flailing bat :-)
Learn more about my workout programs for pitchers
One of the big misconceptions in baseball is that playing the game keeps you in shape to pitch. I wish that was true. It's not.
To get to the next level, preparation is everything. Big league pitchers spend far more time preparing to pitch than actually pitching.
If you believe adding velocity could be critical to your success, check out my conditioning and throwing programs for baseball pitchers of all ages.
What do you think?
Now it's time to hear from you:
Are there any sinker 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.
READ THIS NEXT: Pitching Grips: How To Throw 8 Different Baseball Pitches