The fastest pitches in baseball are the 4-seam and 2-seam fastballs.From gripping the ball to throwing the pitch, there are many steps that can help.
Step 1: Place your index and middle fingers together.
The horseshoe or U-shape seam is where the baseball is held up by your index and middle fingers.Place your middle finger on the right half of the seam.Left-handed people should place their middle finger on the left half of the seam.You should place your fingers on the outside of the ball.
Step 2: Put your thumb in.
Under the inside seam of the ball, place your thumb.The pitch will drop if your thumb is from your other 2 fingers.The closer your thumb is to your other two fingers, the more it will slide.The thumb should be at a 4 or 5 o'clock position if your index and middle fingers are at 10 or 11.
Step 3: Put some pressure on your finger.
The most pressure comes from the thumb-side of your index finger.The outer third of the ball is the key to gripping.The pitch will become a cutter if you put too much pressure on your fingers.
Step 4: The thumb side of the throwing hand is where your wrist should be.
The thumb-side of your index finger is where most pitchers do this.The ball is spinning off your fingers.Don't twist your wrist.Over time, twisting your wrist can cause injury.
Step 5: Don't hold your grip.
If the batter can see your grip before the pitch, they will be prepared for what you are about to throw.Hide your grip in your glove so the other team can't see the pitch you are about to throw.
Step 6: Throw when you wind up.
The weight of your body should be shifted from the back foot to the home plate.Continue with your motion.Your feet should be parallel at the end of the pitch and your throwing arm should come across the front of your body.
Step 7: As you release the ball, keep your wrist loose.
When you release the pitch, resist the urge to twist it side to side.Use your index finger to apply pressure as you release.Don't try to drive your wrist forward with too much force.
Step 8: When you release a slider, snap your wrist.
The ball needs to be dropped as it crosses the plate.Remember to let the spin of the ball come from your index finger, not your wrist.While twisting is a side to side motion, snapping is an up and down motion.
Step 9: As you release the pitch, think of it as a fastball.
It's time to come down through with your wrist.The larger the angle created by turning the fingers, the bigger the break.
Step 10: The plate should be broken on the inside or outside.
If thrown to the same side or opposite side hitters, the slider is an effective pitch.If the slider is thrown directly over the plate, it will lose its effectiveness.The success of the slider is its ability to break at the last minute and catch the batter off guard.A left-handed pitcher's pitch should break down and away from the left and right hitters.A right-handed pitcher's pitch should break down and away from both the right and left hitters.