How to Put Your Fingers to Throw a Curve Ball

The curve ball -- just one of several pitches that a well-rounded pitcher keeps in his pitching arsenal -- requires careful finger placement to execute the pitch. Depending on the specific curve ball you wish to throw, position your fingers onto the ball with precision to make the ball travel the way you desire. With the proper hold and delivery, the ball should curve obediently to make it a challenge for the batter to connect with the ball.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball in your throwing hand with your middle finger gripping the ball over the seam.

    • 2

      Place your thumb on the other side of the ball along the other seam. This places the ball so your middle finger aligns with the bottom seam and your thumb aligns with the top seam.

    • 3

      Position your index finger in a variety of different ways, depending on the type of curve ball you wish to throw. Point your index finger straight out from the ball for a beginning curve ball. As you throw this ball, use your index finger to point where you wish to throw the ball. Throw a straight curve ball by placing your index finger onto the baseball immediately beside your middle finger. Throw a knuckle curve ball by bending your index finger and tucking it against the baseball so that the first knuckle of your index finger rests against the baseball (immediately beside your middle finger).