Baseball Reviews

Types of Pitches

You may by wondering how to identify each of the types of pitches in baseball. You may so wonder which grip is better and how to perform a fast cut ball. Let`s have a look at some of the most popular pitches and learn how to perform each of them.

Fastball

The most important pitch in baseball is the fastball. You need to learn how to master it but the technique is quite straightforward. As many fans know, the starting position finds two fingers on the seams. Variation may occur here with two fingers inside the seams. The ball is released when the palm is facing the batter. There are many other variations to this throw. So what is the ideal speed for these types of pitches? Ideally, you want to reach the segment between 90 and 95mph. In some rare occasions, players have been seen pitching above these speeds.

Cut fastball

One of the most popular pitches is the cut fastball. It requires some technique and exercise but you can definitely learn the move yourself. Simply put, the pitch moves in the other direction when compared to the 2-seamer. While the spin is loose it might be difficult to get the right rotation early on. Compared to a slider, the pitch has more velocity but less movement. The pitch also doesn`t have too much depth.

Sinker

The whole idea behind the sinker is to make the batter miss the hit or in the case of contact to drive the ball towards the ground and not in a line. To perform this move you have to master off-speed techniques. These may require some practice, but the idea is that the ball`s trajectory will see it sin before the batter. To perform the pitch you need to release the ball when the palm is facing away from you at off-speed.

Screwball

As the sinker, the screwball will see the ball sink as it approaches the bat. The difference is that not only does it lose height but it will also move to the right side of the pitcher while in the air. The pitch finds the same position with the hand palm away from the pitcher. At the release moment, the pitcher needs to make a screwing movement with the ball before releasing it. For left-handed pitchers, this means the ball will move away from him while the right-handed pitcher will see the ball moving in the opposite direction.

Curveball

The curveball is one of the most spectacular pitches. The balls can arc towards the batter`s head. Small or big, the arc is in the control of the pitcher. To perform the pitch you need to arch your hand inwards with the ball. Then you need to flick your wrist and release the ball to create the desired top spin. The greater the spin, the greater the break.

There are other pitches in baseball but these are among the most popular choices. They are also not complicated to learn for the new player.

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