How to Grip Different Types of Pitches

Proper pitch grips in baseball and softball are the key to pitching like a professional. Different grips allow you to change the way the ball moves, how it spins and how fast it travels. This is important part of beating the other team. Pitch grips also need to be changed depending on who is pitching. Young players with smaller hands will use different grips than advanced players with bigger hands. As you advance, you will master more and more grips to improve your game.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grip a four-seam fastball by placing your index and middle fingers on the perpendicular seam. The curve of the horseshoe seam runs into your ring finger. Align the thumb directly below your index finger. Hold the ball softly, leaving a gap between the baseball and the palm of your hand.

    • 2

      Throw a two-seam fastball by placing your index and middle fingers on the narrow seams of the baseball. Align the thumb opposite the index finger so it is between the narrow seams on the far side. Grip the ball tighter than the four-seam grip.

    • 3

      Throw a three-finger changeup by aligning the ring, middle and index fingers on top of the baseball and the thumb and pinkie on the smooth part of the baseball, directly underneath. Hold the ball deep in the palm of the hand. This grip works well for small hands.

    • 4

      Throw the circle changeup by making an "OK" symbol with your hand and overlapping the index finger on your thumb. Set the baseball between your middle, ring and pinkie fingers. Rest the baseball against the thumb and the index finger.

    • 5

      Throw a palmball by grasping the ball tightly in the palm of your hand and wrapping all your fingers around it so the ball is balanced between the index and rings fingers.

    • 6

      Throw a beginner's curveball by holding the baseball pointing your index finger out and grasping the ball with your remaining fingers. Align your middle finger on the bottom seam and your thumb on the back seam.

      Throw a straight curve ball by lowering the index finger and using it to grasp the ball.

      Throw a knuckle curve ball by moving the index finger back into the ball so the knuckle leads the way instead of a pointing index finger.

    • 7

      Throw a slider ball by gripping it like a two-seam fastball but off center so when thrown it comes off the thumb side of the grip instead of more center.

    • 8

      Throw a split-finger fastball by gripping the ball with your index and middle fingers on the outside of the horseshoe seam. Keep your thumb on the back seam. Hold the ball tight and deep in the palm. This pitch works best for larger hands.