How to Throw a Left Handed Screwball

A screwball a baseball pitch in which the ball breaks downward and to the right or left, depending which hand the pitcher uses. For a left-handed pitcher, a screwball should move from right to left. In essence, a screwball is a reverse slider. Being able to throw a screwball allows a pitcher to be more effective, as it adds another pitch to his repertoire.

Instructions

    • 1

      Grasp the ball in your left hand with your index and middle fingers on top of the ball, intersecting the seams at their widest point, with your thumb underneath the ball. Curl your ring finger and little finger on the side of the ball. Keep the ball from resting on your palm; hold it with your fingertips.

    • 2

      Tilt your wrist toward the left.

    • 3

      Assume a normal pitching stance, with your left foot behind you and your right foot forward.

    • 4

      Bring your left arm back in a wind-up motion as you lift your right leg and place your weight onto your left leg.

    • 5

      Shift your weight onto your right leg as you rotate your body and bring your left arm forward.

    • 6

      Rotate your wrist from left to right as you release the ball. Allow the ball to roll off of your middle finger as it leaves your hand.

    • 7

      Follow through by bringing your left arm across your body and bringing your left foot forward so that it is parallel with your right foot.