How to: The Shape of Thumb & Forefinger When Pitching

Pitchers can baffle hitters by developing a repertoire of different grips and deliveries. A baseball reacts differently according to how it's thrown, and pitchers must experiment with finger and thumb placement to achieve the desired speed and movement. For example, a simple fastball can vary in speed by a couple of miles per hour depending on how the fingers touch the seams. Young hurlers should be watched closely, though, so they do not attempt arm movements that can cause elbow ligament damage.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place your index and middle fingers each on a seam, either parallel to or across the stitches, to produce a fastball. Position your thumb on the underside of the ball, directly beneath your forefinger.

    • 2

      Spread your middle, ring and pinky fingers evenly across the top of the ball so each touches a seam for changeups. Extending your forefinger so its tip almost touches your thumb on the bottom of the ball for a straight change. Throw a circle change, which will tail away from a hitter at a slow speed, by positioning the tip of your forefinger in the crook of the thumb. Your forefinger will rest on the side of the ball in the shape of a circle.

    • 3

      Place your forefinger across the top of the ball when throwing a slider. Rest your middle finger right next to your forefinger and position your thumb along a seam just a bit off-center on the underside of the ball.

    • 4

      Angle your middle and index fingers on a seam to one side of the baseball for a curveball. Cradle the ball with your thumb directly in the center underneath and rotate your wrist and elbow to create a spinning action upon release.