This is the bread and butter of all
good pitchers. If you can’t control your fastball, your
pitching career is sunk. The most common types of pitches are
the two seam and four seam fastball. The main difference is
how many seams rotate through on the top side when the ball is released. For instance, a four seam
fastball will have all four seams rotate through the top side. Traditionally, a two seam fastball can be thrown faster because there is
less resistance because fewer seams are providing wind resistance. However, it also has less movement on which makes the four seam fastball
so popular. The four seam fastball provides additional
movement as the seams provide more wind resistance, thus altering the course of the ball.
descriptions, I am assuming you are a right handed pitcher. If you are left-handed, you would do the reverse.
Also, I will use the term horseshoe- this is the design of the baseball seam where it is angled in a certain way
so it looks like a horse shoe or a smiley face. Also,
recognize that for most of these pitches, there is more than one way to do it. I am showing just one
To throw a four
seam fastball, place the index finger and middle finger over the two seams of the baseball with the horseshoe
opening up to the right. The thumb is placed on the bottom
seam closest to you and the ring finger provides support on the right side of the ball. To get maximum speed, do not cradle the ball all the way in your hand,
but instead, leave some space between the ball and the web of your thumb and index finger. Also, when throwing and releasing the ball apply pressure on the top
seam to get maximum velocity.
Two Seam Fastball
To throw a two
seam fastball, place the index finger and middle finger over the two seams of the baseball wear they are the
funnel in and are the skinniest. The thumb is places on the bottom left seam and the ring finger
provides support on the right side of the ball. This pitch is essentially thrown the same way as the
four seam fastball from this point forward. To get maximum velocity, apply pressure on the top seam
with your index and middle finger.
things to tinker with when determining how best to throw the two seam or four seam ball (1) space between your
fingers- reduces velocity and provides more control of the pitch, (2) pressure applied to seams- more pressure
can provide more movement and velocity, (3) pressure applied more by either the index or middle finger- these
can add additional movement and velocity, depending on which is applied.
and all, a good pitcher will try out these variations in the off-season to see which baseball pitching grip for
the fastball works best for them.
get tips on how to throw a curveball, check out curveball.