How to Throw a Curveball
In softball and baseball, pitching requires a lot of skill and technique. Over the years, professional softball and baseball players have invented, innovated, and introduced many new pitches that have become important skills in the game. Among the many pitches there are in softball and baseball, the curveball is considered to be one of the most difficult to hit. Once you master the art of the curveball, you’ll strike out more batters, and perhaps even live out your dream of playing ball professionally.
What is a Curveball?
A curveball is an advanced pitching technique that adds added control to balls thrown by a pitcher or a fielder in a softball or baseball game. The curveball is a good example of a “break,” or a pitch where the ball does not travel in a straight, predictable motion; breaks change their direction as they approach the swinging line of the batter. Breaks make it more difficult for batters to hit the ball, and also make it more difficult for catchers to catch a ball without the proper signal or gesture.
All balls travel in a curved, projectile motion called a parabola. In a curveball, the ball abruptly and quickly sweeps downwards or sideways as it approaches the batter. Unlike fastballs and other pitches, curveballs rely on topspin and air resistance to control the flight of the ball. A small high-pressure area forms on the top of the ball during flight, and counters the tendency of the ball to move in the expected direction at the expected speed. The batter will think that the ball will fly straight and make for an easy hit, but the ball will shift downwards or sidewards, making for an easy strike.
Uses of a Curveball
Curveballs are very useful, although the degree of difficulty in throwing a curveball means that it’s not thrown often in the game. The catcher, who is at the best position to determine how a batter will swing, he or she will request for a curveball with a gesture, typically showing two fingers to the pitcher.
Here are some uses of the curveball:
When a batter is about to strike out.
When the opposing team’s best batter is ready to take home plate.
When all bases are loaded and you need to strike out the batter.
If the batter uses his or her opposite hand-side to bat as opposed to the hand you use to pitch (for example, you’re a right-handed pitcher playing against a left-handed batter).
Throwing the Curveball
Like any pitch, throwing a curveball requires a specialized grip, stance, throw, and follow-through:
Grip. Hold the ball with your index and middle fingers gripping the widest part of the ball’s seams, and with your thumb at the base. Your fingers should be the only parts of the hand that touches the ball to give your ball enough topspin.
Stance. Cock your hand into an L-shaped position, and wind up in the same way as you would a fastball. You’ll need to use your body to give weight and velocity to pitch, but you also need to maintain stability to be able to catch hits if ever the batter bunts the ball.
Throw. When throwing the ball, maintain a constant speed in your throwing arm. A constant speed will give the pitched ball more topspin. Keep your wrist cocked facing your body, and throw the ball out by snapping out your wrist as the ball leaves your hand. If you snap out your fingers, you’ll end up with a lowball, a slider, or a bad pitch. Practice a few rounds with the curveball throw to get the right release point.
Follow-through. The follow-through is very important to achieve the desired effect of the curveball. The back of the pitching hand should face the batter, and your feet should be just at the right position for you to anticipate a fielding move in case you need it.
Dangers of the Curveball
Softball and baseball are physically demanding sports. The curveball is considered to be a very dangerous move when done repeatedly. Curveballs should only be attempted by players with strong arms, or have not sustained wrist or arm injuries. It takes practice to pull off a high-speed, high-velocity curveball without tearing ligaments or muscles in your shoulders, or spraining your wrist.
Breaking balls are very important skills in high-intensity games of softball or baseball. Try to throw a curveball yourself; you may not be a pitching legend, but you can certainly amaze all players in the field with your newly-learned Major League pitching skill.