The Best Way to Throw a 12-6 Curveball

A curveball does just what its name implies -- curves down or away from the plate, depending on the ball's spinning motion. Ideally, the change of speed and pitch trajectory cause the batter to swing and miss. The name of the "12-6" curveball derives from the action of the baseball -- released up high at 12 o'clock, the ball spins down toward home plate, at the 6 o'clock position. The success of the 12-6 curveball relies on grip and arm motion.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Take the mound, and assume your normal pitching stance.

    • 2

      Rotate the baseball in hand so that the narrow seams are facing out, away from you.

    • 3

      Position the middle finger along the lower of the two narrow seams. Position the index finger beside the middle finger.

    • 4

      Set the thumb across the ball from the middle and index fingers. Keep the ring and pinkie fingers on the bottom of the baseball, away from the first two fingers.

    • 5

      Turn the palm inward. Prepare to the throw the baseball. Rotate the arm directly over the top, at a 90-degree angle. Allow the ball to spin off the fingers toward home plate.