How to Throw a One Finger Curve Ball

Velocity and trajectory are the two characteristics of a pitched ball in baseball. Velocity is the speed of the pitch, which, in the major leagues can range from 50 mph to 100 mph. Trajectory refers to the path that the ball takes from its release to the catcher's mitt. The curveball is a breaking ball that has less speed than a fastball and drops into through the strike zone. Distinctive one-finger curveballs can be the sweeping curveball, knuckle curveball, knuckle slider and screwball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use the correct positioning you have learned for throwing a fastball (standing with your back straight, shoulders down and back, in a perfectly balanced posture). Stand a few inches closer to home plate than you would for the fastball when you are first learning the curveball. That ensures that the pitch reaches the strike zone because the spinning ball may not have as much velocity to propel it as far a distance.

    • 2

      Grasp the ball by placing your middle finger on the seam opposite your thumb, splitting the ball in half. The grip that the middle finger gets on the ball will give it traction that it needs to create spin upon release. Be conscious that your other fingers, especially the index finger, cannot have any effect on the ball at all.

    • 3

      Place your hand inside the glove so that the palm is facing your chest, aligning your wrist and forearm. Position your upper arm so that it is parallel to the ground or so that your elbow is slightly higher than shoulder level.

    • 4

      Let your throwing arm go back into pitching position, but keep it closer to your head than you would for the fastball. Begin to pitch by building the force of the throw as you bring your arm forward. Pitch with as quick a speed as you would for the fastball for two reasons: first, the batter may expect a fastball because of your consistent form, and secondly, the more speed, the more break will result, and the harder your pitch will be to hit.

    • 5

      Create spin on the releasing ball by pulling down on the front of it, hooking your wrist to keep the pitch close enough to your body to keep the middle finger tightly on the seam. Allow the ball to roll off the finger. Do not snap your wrist. The spinning curve ball should rotate about 13 times before reaching the batter's box.