How to Grip Sliders

A slider that is thrown properly can be one of the most difficult pitches for baseball batters to hit. The pitch travels more slowly than two- and four-seam fastballs, but faster than curveballs. Most sliders move downward and laterally, so pitchers use them to make batters swing at a ball that looks like a strike but moves out of the strike zone, or that begins outside the strike zone and hits the outside-corner of the plate.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the ball so the wide part of the seam faces your palm.

    • 2

      Hold the baseball in front of you and place your middle finger along the outside seam. Place your index finger next to your middle finger.

    • 3

      Cup the bottom of the ball with your thumb and ring finger. Your thumb should be on the seam opposite the seam on which your middle finger rests. Place your pinkie finger underneath your ring finger.