How To Pitch A Curveball

Understanding how to pitch a curveball is essential for any pitcher in baseball. It is the pitch that helps keep the batter from being able to focus on your fastball. When thrown properly, the curveball is an effective strikeout pitch. To be an above average pitcher, it is important to have an ability to be able to throw more than just a fastball. Learning to throw a curveball will provide an instant boost to your effectiveness on the mound.

1. Grip the baseball with your middle and index fingers. Your middle finger should be placed along the seam with the index finger directly beside it.
2. As you go into your motion of throwing the curveball, it is important to maintain the same motion and tempo that you do when throwing a fastball. The only difference will be that when throwing a curveball, your palm will face towards you as you begin to make the pitch.
3. Release the ball as your hand gets just slightly beyond your head.
4. When releasing the ball, do not snap your wrist downward to make the ball spin. This is how injuries can occur. As you make the downward motion with your arm, let the ball spin out of your hands by applying pressure with the thumb and middle fingers along the seams. The ball should roll off of your index finger as it travels to home plate.

It may be necessary to shorten your stride when throwing a curveball to allow for better control. Throwing an effective curveball will require quite a bit of practice until you get comfortable with your grip and release point.