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Pitching Curveballs
The most misunderstood pitch
   
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Bends and drops
Curveballs don't curve so much as break (drop). Many coaches are opposed to curves for any pitcher below the teen years, saying they require wrist and shoulder maturity. The problem is that too many curves are thrown like a 'door knob' slider. In other words - a safe, simple lock-wrist curve is not what kids learn on their own. Which is the strongest argument for having kids learn to throw a curve safely. (After all they may try anyway.) Still other instructors believe the screwball is safer for young arms. (See note at bottom.) So, first, ask yourself some questions... Should you as a coach teach it? Follow these criteria...
Ask yourself the following...
Note: This page slated for revision/expansion in 2007. Descriptions and animations available to WebBall Team Players only.  Overhand Curve Wrist is bent inward, elbow closer to ear (more overhand).  WebBall Team Players can read more and see a 3-D view of this grip. Curve Variations Experiments with arm action could take away control. I  Knuckle Curve For those with 3D access (WebBall Team Players), this grip has been illustrated from both sides.
 Screwball Note: some pitching instructors think a screwball is safer than a curve. WebBall Team Players can read more about this grip. 3-D demonstrations coming soon.
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To be a pitcher you must realize your role is to fool the batter. Throwing the ball with every possible weird grip is not the path to success. Most of the best pro pitchers throw only two, maybe three, different pitches. The rest are variations - subtle changes in finger pressure and spin and speed. That's what creates movement and fools batters. Spend a year or two learning to master each pitch before moving on. Don't learn all the pitch grips, please. Remember: The best judge if a pitch is working for you is not the grip but the results it gives you in getting batters out. Also, be aware of the potential dangers - the risks of different pitches. |
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