How to Throw Split-Finger Fastballs

The split-finger fastball is a difficult pitch to learn to throw consistently, but well worth the effort for a dedicated pitcher. Once mastered, a splitter provides a good changeup pitch with a quick break toward the end. As Coach Joe "Spanky" McFarland succinctly puts it, the split-finger fastball creates "an excellent strikeout pitch."

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the baseball in the split-finger fastball grip. That means placing the fingers just outside the narrowest area of the seams and spreading them out into the wide part of the horseshoe shape made by the seams. If you turn your hand so you can look directly at your grip, you should see one of the curves of the seam in a "U" position and the other curve in an "N."

    • 2

      Place your thumb at the bottom of the ball, at the spot where an imaginary line drawn between your index and middle fingers would bisect the ball.

    • 3

      Throw the split-finger fastball using the same mechanics, arm speed and arm slot that you use to throw your regular fastball.

    • 4

      As recommended by Coach McFarland, start with this grip and then make "small adjustments" until you can find a consistent downward break. If thrown correctly, this pitch resembles a regular fastball until it breaks downward 6 feet in front of the plate.