How to Throw a Curveball

A curveball is what the name says it is, it is a throw in baseball where the ball does not follow the standard trajectory but instead takes a wicked curve on its path to the batter. Usually, when you pitch a baseball, the batter has to estimate the height at which the ball will reach him and swing his bat accordingly, for the maximum effect. If the batter correctly estimates the height and trajectory of the ball, he will be able to hit the ball and then run.

Throwing a Curveball

Now, the secret of throwing a curveball well is not letting the batter predict or guess that you're throwing one. Batting in baseball works a lot on prediction, seeing as the batter has to predict the way the ball is going to come to him before hitting it. So if the batter works out that you're going to throw a curveball, then he'll be able to predict the trajectory and will smack the ball, rendering the otherwise effective curveball, useless. And the batter will know that you might be throwing a curveball if he sees the way your gripping the ball.

The Grip
Like I said, the curveball grip is too obvious to miss. When you want to throw a curveball, you should first learn how to grip the ball. See the seam running across the ball? The seams are not straight lines but curving lines which at one point are very far from each other and at one point very near. Now where the two seam lines are closest is where you hold the ball. Place your index finger and your middle finger on the exterior of the first seam and the ring and little finger on the exterior of the other seam, leaving a gap between the middle and ring fingers. Your thumb automatically places itself on the other side of the ball.

The Throw
When you pitch a curveball, the motion has to be just perfect. Wind up and drag your throwing arm back, with the glove still shielding your throwing hand. What you're supposed to do is slightly turn the ball clockwise (for left-handed pitchers, anticlockwise) as you throw it, using your thumb and middle finger to maneuver the ball on the throw.

That is how your wrist moves. The second part of the throw is how exactly you will move your arm. To throw a curveball you need to move your arm wider than most throws. At the time of the release a lot of impact needs to come from the elbow, the main pace on the ball is generated from the elbow.

The Follow Through
The follow through is another crucial part of throwing a curveball. Because it, in part, influences where the ball is going to go. Once you release the ball, bring your arm down towards your left leg (right leg for left-handed pitchers), with the back of your hand facing forwards, towards the batter.

A curveball is a really special type of throw and requires a lot of practice to perfect. But remember, the key to a good, effective curveball is the element of surprise which it brings. It is an important weapon in the pitcher's arsenal, but not one to be overused!