How to Throw a Slider in Baseball

Many pitchers have asked themselves a very important question, “How to throw a slider in baseball?” After all, the slider is the third fastest pitch in baseball after the four-seam fastball and the two-seam fastball. This can provide a great weapon against hitters who think a fastball is coming their way, and then are unpleasantly surprised when the pitch suddenly darts away. Here is how to throw a slider in baseball.

Supplies

• Baseball
• Pitching mound
• Target or catcher

1. Grip the baseball. One of the most important aspects of how  to throw a slider in baseball is the grip of the ball. Place a baseball down in front of you. Place your middle and index finger together. Grab the baseball on the outer third of the ball. (If you’re left-handed this will be the left side; if you’re right handed, this will be the right side.) The grip should also be along the side of the curved stitching. Secure the baseball with your thumb under the ball.
2. Start into the wind-up. When learning how to throw a slider, it is important that you keep the same exact motion as when you throw other pitches. This way the batter won’t be able to distinguish the pitch until after you release the baseball, and hopefully not even then!
3. Release the baseball. The release of the baseball is really where the slider takes shape. The release point will be the same as the fastball, however. As the pitch leaves your hand, try to have it roll off the inside of your index finger (the side closest to your thumb.) Also, apply a slight amount of pressure with your index fingers as the ball leaves your hand.
4. Get into the ready position. Follow through as you normally would and get into the defensive stance as you watch your slider dart away from the hitter.

Tips

• Don’t twist your wrist at all. Unlike the curve ball, the wrist motion should be similar to that of a fastball as you learn how to throw a slider.
• When learning how to throw a slider, work on locating the slider so that the “darting” action occurs just as it reaches the plate. This will give the hitter a tough time trying to connect with his swing.

Resource:

The Complete Pitcher

http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_grips.htm