How to Pitch an Eephus

When thrown correctly, the Eephus pitch can be an effective tool for baseball pitchers of all ages. The pitch, a high-arching lob, is designed to keep a batter off balance at the plate.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the baseball so that the horseshoes, the areas on opposite sides of the ball where the seams come together, are on the top and bottom of the ball with the closed end to the right if you are a righty, and to the left if you're a lefty.

    • 2

      Place the base of your index and middle fingers across the seam closer to you on the top horseshoe and the tips of the same fingers across the other seam on top of the ball so your fingers contour the shape of the ball. This is a four-seam grip, and it's better than a two-seam grip for throwing the Eephus because it allows for better control upon release.

    • 3

      Place your thumb underneath the ball.

    • 4

      Use the same pitching motion and arm speed you would when throwing a fastball or any other pitch in your arsenal.

    • 5

      Release the baseball, allowing it to roll off the tips of your index and middle fingers, snapping your wrist to create backspin on the ball.

    • 6

      Throw the ball at a speed significantly less than that of a fastball or even a change-up, about 12 feet off the ground, arching the ball toward the plate. If your fastball is in the 70-mph range, the Eephus should travel at 45 to 50 mph or slower. The arc and speed of the Eephus will determine its ending point--whether it crosses the plate as a ball or a strike. A slower pitch will need more arc.