Pitching Movement: How To Make Your Fastball Move

So you want to know why some baseball pitchers are "magically" able to get more movement on their two-seam fastball (think Greg Maddux) while others can spend their entire baseball careers working on it — never to get their two-seamer to move a lick?

If you're thinking its because of the placement of finger pressure on one finger more than another — or because of some special grip — you're not alone! Most baseball coaches, parents and players think that pressure points and finger placement cause pitch movement.

It doesn't.

The secret to two-seam fastball movement lies in the length-difference between a baseball pitcher's index and middle fingers.

Try this for me right now...

Hold out your throwing hand, fingers extended. Notice that your index finger is shorter than your middle finger?

Herein lies the reason some pitchers get natural movement on their fastball and some don't.

Baseball pitchers who get more movement on their two seam fastball have a greater length-difference between their index and middle fingers than pitchers who don't get much movement.

Simply put: if your middle finger is a lot longer than your index finger, you stand to get more movement on your fastball than if your index and middle fingers were more similar in length.

That's it!

When a baseball is released from the hand, the last thing it touches is a pitcher's longest finger (typically a pitcher's middle finger when throwing a fastball).

If the length of a pitcher's index- and middle-fingers are similar, then the pitched baseball last touches two fingers. (A two-finger release better balances the baseball upon release.)

When there is a significant difference between the length of a pitcher's index- and middle-fingers, the pitched baseball is essentially released off of one finger — the middle finger because it's the longest. As a result, the pitch spins off-balance, creating movement.

Dr. Mike Marshall, a former Cy Young award winning pitcher, who runs a pitching instruction business in Florida, says on his Web site that a pitcher's release point influences fastball movement, too.

To some extent he's right. However, 99.99% of the time, when coaches or parents tell pitchers to start "changing" release points, the pitcher enters what I commonly refer to as a "Mechanical Danger Zone."

Types Of Pitches: Sinker Ball

In this article, you'll learn how to grip and throw the two-seam fastball (sinker)

The two-seam fastball, or sinker, is gripped slightly tighter and deeper in the throwing-hand than the four-seam fastball.

Movement on this pitch comes from:

1. The friction that is created from holding the baseball deeper in the throwing hand.
2. The slight, natural pronation of the throwing-hand (which imbalances the baseball) when the pitch is released.

The index- and middle-fingers are placed directly parallel and on top of the narrow seams of the baseball (as shown in the picture on the left). Next, place your thumb directly on the bottom side of the baseball and on the smooth leather in between the other narrow seams (as shown in the picture on the right).

Best Books On Baseball Pitching Instruction

I thought we'd revisit the "Best Baseball Pitching Instruction Books" list that I've put together on this blogat a few different times. What are your favorites and, more importantly, tell us why? How can the pitching books you recommend help other pitchers, coaches and parents?

Here are a dozen or so to get us started:

1. TUFFCUFF - This is my book, so of course, it's tops on my list. But for those of you looking for a complete, step-by-step training program that covers all the exercises, throwing, nutrition, etc. that you must do to become a stronger, harder-throwing, more able-bodied pitcher, there isn't anything else out there that's even close to this strength and conditioning manual.

2. The Mental ABC's of Pitching - Not as good as my favorite baseball book of all time, Mental Game of Baseball, but it's by the same author and covers the mental aspects of the game as it specifically relates to pitchers. Also of note is Getting Focused Staying Focused, by Alan Jaeger. Sure, Jaeger is known for his long toss methods, but this book is actually quite good.

3. The Art & Science of Pitching - The latest from Tom House and the National Pitching Association is well worth the read. LTP admin Roger references it quite a bit in the Pitching Mechanics threads.

4. Nolan Ryan Pitcher's Bible - An oldie but a goodie. Now I don't prescribe to everything that Nolan Ryan states in this book, but it does provide some good insights on training and mechanics.

5. The Act of Pitching - Section on pitching grips is good. One caveat: if you happen to be in the camp that believes long toss, weighted balls, strength training, pushing off the rubber, etc. are bad, then you will probably disagree with much of what the author has to say.

6. The Picture Perfect Pitcher - Co-written with Tom House, this book is Paul Reddick's claim to fame.

7. 101 Pitching Drills - Great pics and lots of drills that I find to be especially useful to use with younger pitchers learning the various elements of proper pitching mechs.

8. Baseball Master - Actually, this book is pretty good, particularly for youth pitchers up to the age of 12. Down side? It's an online book.

9. Louisville Slugger Complete Book of Pitching - It's not complete by any means, but there are some gems in the text, particularly for coaches.

10. Pitch Like a Pro - I like this book. Very little depth and certainly not for more advanced pitchers, but good none-the-less. I mean, sure he had a GREAT pitching staff to work with, but Leo Mazzone is probably one of the best pitching coaches of the 1990's. Just wish the book had a little more substance to it. Read it and you'll know what I mean.

11. Have to throw in Roger Kahn's The Headgame - It's a little old but fantastic insights are all through it.

12. For fans of the NPA, there's Fasball Fitness by Tom House, as well as the Pitching Edge.

The Difference Between Fastball And Changeup Pitching Mechanics

When I was first learning to throw a change-up, I threw a three-finger change because my hands weren't big enough to grip a circle change-up. However, my biggest challenge with the three-finger change-up was my control.

Quite simply, I had a difficult time controlling the speed of the pitch, and as a result, often threw it far too hard for it to be effective most of the time.

Most of the college pitchers I coach have this same problem, too.

At that time, I was working with Coach Bill Thurston, a pitching consultant at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, Ala. ASMI is a biomechanical research and development institute founded by Dr. James Andrews, one of the elite baseball surgeons in the country. ASMI also touts Dr. Tom House, Dr. Glenn Fleisig, and a long list of other baseball instructors and doctors who are tops in the field of baseball and baseball pitching on its research staff.

When throwing a change-up, Thurston taught me to shorten my lead-leg stride slightly (I'm talking a few inches here, not feet) and collapse on my back-side (again, slightly).

By collapsing on your back side, I'm talking about the back-side leg-action associated with your follow-through...

Instead of a high-up-and-over back-side leg-kick in the follow-through phase of the pitching delivery, which should be characteristic of a fastball release, a pitcher will still follow-through with the backside leg, but it will not be as "pronounced" as when a fastball is thrown.

Thurston said these pitching mechanical adjustments should be negligible to the naked eye.

He noticed Major League Baseball pitchers making these two slight adjustments only after viewing them on high-resolution video, which was slowed to 1000 frames a second.

Remember: the key to an effective change-up is deception. If a hitter notices different mechanical changes in a pitcher's delivery, the hitter will be able to recognize it and make the necessary adjustments.

The delivery, therefore, needs to remain the same as the fastball.

I recommend that you video-tape your pitching motion from the right-side and left-side during practice if you decide to implement these slight mechanical variations when throwing a change-up.

Also of note: when I switched my change-up pitching grip from a three-finger change-up to a circle change-up (in college when my hands became bigger), I did not need to vary my pitching mechanics at all when throwing the new off-speed pitch because the speed-difference (from my fastball velocity) resulted from the grip of the pitch – and from the slight, natural pronation of my throwing hand upon release.
Because of that, and the sharp down-and-in movement to right-handed hitters (I'm a righty), I found the circle-change to be a much better change-up pitch for me.

As a closer in the Chicago Cubs organization, the circle change became my strike out pitch. (120 K's in 80 innings as a pro pitcher. 68 of those K's were with the circle change!)

Types Of Pitches: Curve Ball

In this article, you'll learn how to grip and throw the straight curve ball.

The straight curveball is a variation of the beginners curveball and the knuckle curveball.

Thought to be the most difficult of the three curveballs to learn, the straight curve requires mastery of the beginner's curveball because many of the same principles apply.

Now that the pitcher has mastered "shooting the target," (see beginners curveball), he is ready for the straight curveball.

There is essentially no significant difference between the straight curveball and the beginner's curveball except for the finger placement of the throwing-hand's index finger.

Instead of pointing to the target as was required of the beginner's curve, the index finger for the straight curve is left on the baseball and plush to the middle finger.

The thumb-action of the pitched curveball still rotates upward and toward the pitcher's chin while the middle- --and now-- index-fingers rotate downward into the middle of the palm of the throwing-hand.

A pitcher should still think about "shooting the target," only this time it's with the index finger's knuckle, not with the finger itself.

The reason this pitch is more advanced is because now the baseball has to "clear" both the middle- AND index-fingers upon release. With the beginners curve, the pitch only had to rotate up-and-over the middle finger because the index finger was already pointing to the target and out of the way.

However, because hitters at the college and professional levels can pick up on the raised finger during the pitcher's delivery, the beginner's curve shouldn't be used past high school ball.

Pitching Training: A Pitcher's Bullpen Routine

Practicing pitching in the bullpen requires some basic knowledge of "bringing pitches along simultaneously." That is a term used as a mechanism for working on a proper release point and ball rotation. Many young pitchers make the mistake of not having a specific goal to accomplish during the throwing session. They jump right up on the mound, play catch until they are loose, and then "air it out" (100% effort) without any plan or objectives to work on. Another common pitching practice mistake is throwing without awareness of pitching inside or outside.

Pitchers must understand how to "bring pitches along", throwing to both sides of the plate, and the correct amount of exertion as well as sufficient time length to complete an effective bullpen session. These are the exact bullpen methods used by the Atlanta Braves.

As a starter, throw two bullpens in the middle of a five-day rotation. Complete the start and take the next day off completely to allow recovery. The second and third days are workdays on the mound. The objective is to improve command of all pitches. Play catch to get loose and set the catcher up insider to a right hand hitter. Throw 15 pitches middle-in to get full extension. Next move the catcher to the other side of the plate and throw 15 pitches middle-away. Use both a two seam and a four seam fastball. Concentrate on finding the ideal release point for pinpoint location. Next work on a breaking ball concentrating on rotation. Move the catcher inside (away from throwing side). Throw 15 breaking balls. After breaking balls go back to fastballs-5 to each side of the plate. Don't throw your fastball down the middle during pitching practice. Next move to change-ups if that is your third best pitch. Start with your best pitch and work down in rank. Throw 10 changes to the middle of the plate concentrating on keeping the ball down. After this sequence is completed you may go back and work on specific pitches and locations always followed by fastballs to both sides of the plate. At this point you have brought your pitches along simultaneously.

There are several factors that will influence the amount of exertion that should be put out during a bullpen session. The number of pitches thrown in the last start, arm weariness (youth pitchers do not throw at all if you experience any arm soreness or weariness whatsoever) and days before the next start. Use common sense. Over-exertion leads to bad mechanics as well as laboring through the pitches. 75% effort allows you to find a good release point without trying to do too much. When mechanics start to falter or fatigue settles in, it's time to wrap up the pitching session. The total process should last between 15 and 30 minutes depending on how much fine-tuning is needed.

Work approximately 50 to 60% of the bullpen from the stretch. Probably the most important pitches are thrown from the stretch. Good supervision is vital to a successful bullpen.

Pitching Drills: Knee Kick Drill For Baseball Pitchers

To teach pitchers to stay tall during their pitching motion, practice the knee kick drill. The coach should stand to the side of the pitcher but near enough that they can touch with the coach's arms extended.

The pitcher should take his balance position, with the knee kicked in the air. The coach measures where he wants the knee to end up at its highest point and holds his hand there to measure.

Then, without a ball, the pitcher goes through his pitching motion, making sure to kick the coach's hand with the top of his knee at his highest point in the kick.

If the pitcher is consistently not kicking the coach's hand, he needs to work to stay tall during the entire motion.

Crumpling down together will keep the pitcher from putting his whole momentum into the pitch.

Types Of Pitches: Knuckle Curveball

In this article, you'll learn how to grip and throw the knuckle curveball.

Another variation of the curveball is the knuckle curveball.

This breaking pitch is the widely the most popular and most used curveball in professional baseball because the pitch works for itself once mastered.

Thrown the same way as the beginner's curveball and the straight curveball, the knuckle curveball grip is actually the same as the beginner's curveball grip with one exception: the index-finger tucked back into the seam of the baseball, NOT raised off of the ball like with the beginners curveball.

The pitcher throws this variation of the curve by aiming the knuckle at the intended target as opposed to the index-finger. The difficulty in this pitch does not come from the pitch itself. In fact, most pitchers feel this grip gives them the most rotation -- and movement -- of any breaking pitch. The difficulty comes in making the index-finger feel comfortable being tucked back into the baseball.

This leads me into an important tip...

A pitcher should spend a few weeks -- preferably in the off-season -- working on nothing but tucking the finger into the ball. Once the index-finger is used to the grip, a pitcher can safely progress into spinning the baseball to a partner.

Furthermore, a baseball pitcher must maintain short and well-manicured nails -- especially on the index-finger of the throwing hand -- for this pitch to be effective because long fingernails can get in the way of the grip.

Types Of Pitches: Slider

In this article, you'll learn how to grip and throw the slider.

The slider is the third fastest pitch in baseball. (The No. 1 fastest is the four-seam fastball and No. 2 is the two-seam fastball.)

It's important for pitchers, parents and coaches to learn the proper slider grip and correct throwing technique of the slider to ensure and promote healthy and successful pitching careers.

The slider is gripped like a two-seam fastball, but held slightly off-center.

When thrown, try to manipulate the pitch to come off of the thumb-side of your index finger alone -- NOT your index- and middle- fingers like the two-seam fastball -- because a two-finger release will actually balance the pitch and reduce the spin you are looking for.

Most good slider pitchers grip the outer third of the baseball and cock their wrist slightly, but not stiffly, to their throwing hand's thumb-side upon release of the baseball.

This enables a pitcher to apply pressure to the outer half of the ball with the index finger, but avoid any twisting of the wrist upon release.

I have placed the long seam of the baseball in between my index- and middle- fingers, and I have put my thumb on the opposite seam underneath the baseball (as shown in the picture on the left).

Some baseball pitchers may find it more helpful to place their index finger along the seam on the baseball since the index finger is the one from which the slider is thrown.

The key with the slider is to hold the ball slightly off-center (on the outer third of the baseball). Remember to slightly cock your wrist, but don't stiffen it. That way, you can still get good wrist-snap upon release. If your wrist is slightly cocked to the throwing hand's thumb side, the wrist-snap will enable the pitcher to have the pitch come off of the thumb-side of his index finger which, in turn, promotes good spin on the ball.

The rest is simple: the pitch should work for itself.

REMEMBER: THERE SHOULD BE NO TWISTING OF THE ARM OR ELBOW WITH THIS PITCH!

The movement on the pitch comes from the baseball spinning off of the index finger from the outside of the baseball -- NOT twisting the hand underneath.

The slider arm speed remains the same as the fastball arm speed.

Pitching Split-Finger Fastballs: Is Throwing A Splitter Dangerous For Pitchers?

I am regularly asked by baseball coaches, parents and players alike if the split-finger fastball places an undue amount of stress on a baseball pitcher's throwing elbow and shoulder resulting in an increased risk of injury-related ailments. It seems that everyone wants to know if the splitter a dangerous pitch?

So I decided to take this pitching question to Coach Bill Thurston, head baseball coach at Amherst College and a pitching consultant for ASMI, a baseball pitching biomechanics research facility in Birmingham, Ala.

Thurston, who was my pitching instructor for seven years, said he was concerned about baseball pitchers who threw the splitter, but not because of injury. In fact, it had nothing to do with injury at all — the splitter is no more or less dangerous a baseball pitch than the curveball or slider.

Instead, Coach Thurston's big concern with split-finger fastball pitchers had to do with fastball velocity issues.

Thurston said that pitchers who throw the splitter tend to lose velocity on their fastball because the grip itself stresses the wrist, forearm and throwing fingers more than any other pitch in baseball.

He also said that the pitch is more difficult to control and throw for strikes due to the nature of the downward movement, and as a result, split-finger fastball pitchers tend to throw more pitches in an outing than those who throw other off-speed pitches.

Because more pitches are thrown in an outing, Thurston suggested that split-finger fastball pitchers may lose velocity throughout the course of a game and even worse, throughout the course of the season because of the added stresses additional pitches plases on the throwing arm.

However, if you look around baseball, some of the very best professional pitchers throw a split-finger fastball.

Curt Schilling is one. Roger Clemens is another. Both have made a very lucrative living out of throwing split-finger fastballs. (Clemens' pitch is actually more of a forkball, which is simply a slight variation of the split-finger fastball). And in terms of fastball velocity, neither Schilling or Clemens are at a loss for it. Just look at Clemens. At 42 years old, the Rocket is still pumping 96-97 mph fastballs and winning Cy Young Awards left and right!