Question

how do you throw a curveball

Answer 1

Throwing a curveball in baseball involves a specific grip, wrist action, and follow-through to achieve the desired spin and movement. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

### Grip
1. **Ball Position**: Hold the baseball with the index and middle fingers on top of the ball, with the tips of your fingers across the seam.
2. **Thumb Position**: Place your thumb underneath the ball for support. Your ring finger and pinky can rest against the ball or extend along the sides.
3. **Seams**: Some pitchers prefer to grip the ball along the seams for better control.

### Stance and Windup
1. **Stance**: Start in your standard pitching stance. Make sure you’re balanced and comfortable.
2. **Windup**: Begin your windup as you normally would for a fastball, keeping the ball in a similar position in your throwing hand.

### Delivery
1. **Arm Motion**: As you bring your arm forward, keep your elbow above the shoulder and create a smooth motion. Your arm should come through in an upward arc.
2. **Wrist Snap**: As your arm approaches the point of release, snap your wrist downward, almost like you're pulling down on a lever. This is crucial for generating the spin that makes the ball curve.
3. **Follow Through**: Finish your throwing motion by following through across your body. Your arm should naturally extend down after releasing the ball.

### Practice
1. **Repetition**: Spend time practicing your grip, motion, and follow-through to develop muscle memory.
2. **Feedback**: If possible, have someone watch your mechanics or record your throws to evaluate your form and make adjustments.

### Tips
- **Focus on Spin**: The key to a successful curveball is the spin. Aim for a good rotation that causes the ball to drop as it approaches the plate.
- **Experiment**: Different grips and wrist angles can help you find a throw that works for you.
- **Be Patient**: Learning to throw a good curveball takes time and practice.

Remember to always warm up properly and practice under the supervision of a coach or experienced player to ensure proper technique and to prevent injury.