What Positions Do You Use to Pitch Fastballs?

A batter's success at the plate relies partly on properly guessing the pitch. The pitch may be a fastball or change-up, or some variation of the two. A pitcher with a greater variation of pitchers decreases the batter's likelihood of guessing correctly. Using different grips for delivering a fastball changes the ball's speed and movement.

  1. Four-Seam Fastball

    • The four-seam fastball offers maximum speed and little movement during its trajectory to the plate. Prepare the grip by first turning the baseball so that the c-shaped seam is face up. Position the index and middle fingers diagonally across the top two seams and with the two fingers placed slightly apart. Set the thumb against the leather surface on the underside of the ball. Maintain a loose grip when throwing this pitch.

    Two-Seam Fastball

    • Compared to the four-seam fastball, the two-seam fastball offers less velocity but more movement. Rotate the baseball's parallel seams upright. Place an index finger along the first seam and a middle finger along the parallel seam. Position the thumb beneath the baseball on the leather surface. The pitch sits further back in the hand than the two-seam fastball and requires a firmer grip.

    Cut Fastball

    • To the batter, the cut fastball, or "cutter," appears similar to a four-seam fastball, until the pitch "cuts" away across the plate. Like the four-seam fastball, the pitch begins with the c-shaped seam positioned face up. Place the index and middle fingers across the top two seams. Then, move both fingers toward the outside of the ball, beside the edge of the bend in the seam. Thrown by a right-handed pitcher, the ball breaks left.

    Split-Finger Fastball

    • Compared to other fastball pitches, the split-finger fastball, or "splitter," offers less velocity. However, the finger position causes the ball to drop steeply toward the plate. To create the grip, turn the baseball so that the parallel seams are upright. Place an index finger just left of the left side seam and the middle finger just right of the right side seam. Hold the ball deep inside the "V" between the two fingers.