Pitches Taking the mound  Windup delivery  No-windup delivery  4-seam fastball  Stretch delivery  2-seam fastball  Change-up  Pick-off move to first  Curve ball  Slider  Beginning the Windup Breaking the Hands Stride to Plate Landing of Lead Leg From Break to Cocked From Cocked to Finish Lead Arm Throwing Arm Rotation Getting to the Set Position Angling During Stretch Decisions in Set Position Slide Step from Stretch Pick-offs for Right-handers Pick-offs for Left-handers Developing Control

Curve Ball    Let's face it: curve balls are cool. A well-thrown one looks like a movie special effect. One instant the ball is heading in a more-or-less straight line--then suddenly (as if it thought of something better to do) it swoops off and down to one side, utterly unnerving the batter. What happened? Physics, that's what. While ball players tend to be mysterious about the process, the reality is that it's a simple (if somewhat counter-intuitive) procedure: spin the ball as it leaves your hand. This 2torial will talk you through the essentials of mastering the curve. We can't guarantee you'll make the majors, but we can at least make you look a little cooler up there on the mound. Before you start, you should know about the effects that pitching can have on the body. Coaches and doctors agree that overpitching can cause serious strain on a player's arm, especially if that player is under 16 (or so) and has a body that isn't fully developed. Curve balls can be particularly tough on this age group, and sometimes dangerous. Make sure you or the person you're teaching are physically ready, and don't overdo it.    The curve ball is held with the fingers close together and thrown with sidespin. This alters the speed and trajectory of the ball, throwing off a batter's timing and swing location. Use it when the batter may be expecting a fastball.    Grip the ball  First two fingers together  Middle finger against one seam  Thumb under ball, beneath fingers  Ball choked back into hand     Make your delivery just as you would a fastball  Turn your wrist inward  Palm on the outside of the ball during throwing motion  Catcher should see the hand forming a "C"        Release the ball  Snap your wrist downward rather than sideways  Swerve your arm horizontally during the follow-through  Pitching thumb points to the sky  Arm goes toward your hip rather than toward your knee    Skills Drills   Catch  Practice control of the curve by playing an easy game of catch with a partner standing pitching distance away. Throw curve balls gently and award one point for each throw to the middle of the other player's chest. Play to 10, 15 or 21. Throw easy to get used to the pitch and to lower the risk of injury while learning the curve ball.  Troubleshooting Tips   Pain and Discomfort    If you encounter any pain or discomfort while throwing the curve, stop immediately. Improper curve ball technique can lead to serious injuries.    Have Patience  Patience is vital when learning the curve ball. With practice, you can have the action and control of your curve. It may take longer to perfect than the fastball, but hang in there!    Wrist Snap  If your curve ball is not breaking sharply, you may be snapping your wrist sideways instead of downward.   LEARN MORE ABOUT The CURVE BALL     [Official Little League Rules & Regulations]   [Parents]   [Players/Kids] Learn How to: [Hit]  [Pitching]  [Infield]  [Outfield]  [Catcher]  [Baserunning]  [Coach] [Baseball Humor]  [Baseball Terminology]  [Site Map] [Sign Our Guestbook] [Privacy Statement/Disclaimer]  [Terms]   Copyright © 2000 Brookside Little League, Inc. All rights reserved Please, drop us a line and let us know what you think, like or dislike or would like to see on our site! jontanderson@juno.com Thank You ,  for visiting Brookside Little League's web Site