Learn To Pitch Baseball

Do you want to know the different baseball pitches and how to throw them?

Are you just learning baseball?

Maybe you are becoming a little league coach.

You have come to the right place!

These are your basic pitches and how you hold them. I suggest that a new pitcher start with a basic fastball and a basic change-up. After he gets them down pat, he can work with the rest. No pitcher is usually good at throwing all the different pitches. Take a look at some of your major league pitchers; they are usually only a two or three pitch thrower.

There are many variations of pitches. You may throw a ball to achieve what you want much differently than another pitcher. These are just basics to start with.

The pictures that are here came from the site at the right and thumbs up to them! Please visit their site and learn some more.

There are three basic styles of fastballs here. I will go in order of the ones I would learn first.

Basic 4-seam Fastball

Held like the picture, you split your index and middle finger over the seams with your thumb coming out straight in between both at the bottom. Your release should be straight, turning your wrist ever so slightly. Do not grip the ball tight.

Split-finger Fastball

Just like the name of the pitch, you spread your index and middle finger to a V over the seams like is shown. Your thumb should be about 3/4 inch from your index finger. When releasing do it straight and over the top otherwise it will hang. If you throw the splitter properly it will break down at the end.

Cut Fastball

I consider this pitch a cross between a fastball and a curve-ball. Hold it just like the basic fastball but off center like the picture. When releasing the pitch, turn your wrist over. It will break outside of where you are aiming if thrown correctly.

This is a pitch you must have if you are a fastball pitcher.

You hold the ball much like you do a normal fastball, but you grip it tight. Notice the picture. The way the seams are held makes it a change-up.

Throw it like you would a basic fastball; the way the seams cut through the air will slow it down and mess with a batter's mind.

Remember practice makes perfect! Have a friend watch the ball as it leaves and they will be able to tell if it is doing what you desire.

I put these both together because they are essentially held the same way. You hold them like the pictures; mainly your middle finger and thumb is holding all the pressure on the ball.

You throw the curve just like a fastball, turning your hand in which will cause rotation forcing the ball to actually curve. You pull down on the ball at the same time as turning your hand in. A good curve ball will have 13 rotations before reaching the batter.

The slider is thrown much the same way except instead of pulling the ball down, you actually go over the top with it.

Both of these pitches take a lot of practice and don't be upset if you never get them down. Many big league pitchers cannot throw curves or sliders.

This was always my best pitch. The idea of a knuckleball is to take all the spin off the ball forcing the ball to create its own movement.

To grip a knuckleball, use your index and middle fingers to bite the ball just like the picture. It means keeping your nails trimmed short. Many major league knuckleball pitchers get manicures.

This pitch is a very difficult one to hit, but also very hard for catchers to catch. The ball will go wherever.

I would not by any means start with learning this pitch. Work on your fastball first and foremost.

I hope this hub helps you become the best pitcher possible. Remember Froggy when you are playing the majors. I expect an autographed picture from you!

Now get out there and practice your pitching so you can be like one of the pitchers below.

© G.L. Boudonck