How to Pitch a Cut-Fastball

In pitching, success relies in part on keeping the batter guessing. A combination of pitches with various movements and speeds decreases the likelihood of the batter guessing the pitch. The cut-fastball, thrown to notable effect by the New York Yankees Mariano Rivera, appears to the batter as a fastball. At the last instant the ball "cuts" away from the plate. For a right-handed pitcher, the ball cuts left. For a left-handed pitcher, the ball cuts right.

Instructions

    • 1

      Rotate the baseball so that the horseshoe-shaped seam is face up with the round end of the "horseshoe" pointing to the outside.

    • 2

      Place the index and middle fingers across the "horseshoe." Place the thumb on the bottom of the baseball toward the center. This position replicates the "four-seam" fastball, where the index and middle fingers split the top two seams and the thumb covers the bottom two seams.

    • 3

      Slide the index finger directly beside the middle finger. Move the thumb up toward the inside of the baseball, just off center.

    • 4

      Assume your normal pitching position atop the mound. Just before releasing the baseball apply pressure to the index finger to cause the ball to spin, or "cut." Release the ball with the hand over the ball and the arm fully extended.