How to Throw a Curve-ball

Published on March 29, 2008 by Ruby Hawk in Baseball

Here are the instructions to teach you how to throw the curve ball.

Comments (12)|16 Liked It

The curve-ball is one of the hardest to hit in baseball. A great curve will move out and down over the plate, dropping a couple of feet just as it crosses in front of the batter. Throwing a curve without a properly trained arm can cause wrist and shoulder damage, so be careful. Only after you have developed a good, strong fastball should you attempt a curve-ball. You must have patience. Learning to throw a good, effective curve-ball takes years. Use the same stance, windup, and delivery as with a fastball, but follow these added instructions for your release.

  1. Hold the ball with your throwing hand. Wrap your index and middle finger around the ball so that the pads of your fingers lay across the seam of the ball. Bend your thumb underneath slightly so that the inside edge of your thumb is holding the ball. Grip the ball with the pressure on the middle finger and thumb.
  2. To give the ball time to break, do not throw a curve-ball as hard as a fastball. As you bring your arm around in motion, try to bring your elbow above your shoulder to create an arc and downward momentum for the ball.
  3. You want to release the ball up and over your index finger, from the side of your hand. To do this, you may want to fold your wrist forward so your fingers go in front of the ball before release. As you release, use your thumb to twist the ball clockwise and up (for a right-hander) and snap your wrist as the ball leaves your hand.
  4. For best results, release the ball a split second later than usual so the ball stays low.

The curve-ball is difficult and potentially dangerous for the young pitcher to learn, so be cautious and practice your fastball until you develop the strength and control to begin practicing the curve-ball.

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12 Comments

  1. Amos
    Posted March 29, 2008 at 9:28 pm

    I have seen many curveballs but I didn’t know how it was done.I guess I’m not too old to learn.

  2. valli
    Posted March 29, 2008 at 11:25 pm

    Thats well explained. I’ll tell my kids to read this article.

  3. Harold
    Posted March 30, 2008 at 5:56 pm

    Good instructions. I almost remember how it’s done.

  4. Muriel
    Posted March 31, 2008 at 10:05 pm

    My kids will luv this.

  5. Ruby Hawk
    Posted May 14, 2008 at 8:38 pm

    Thank you guys. I hope this will help the kids out there who want to play ball.

  6. Art
    Posted May 25, 2008 at 10:45 pm

    You do a good job of giving instructions. I am impressed.

  7. deven
    Posted June 2, 2008 at 9:04 am

    this is good instructions. thanks

  8. g
    Posted June 22, 2008 at 10:57 pm

    the instructions are a little off on releasing and giving the ball spin

  9. g
    Posted June 22, 2008 at 10:58 pm

    but good over all

  10. Ruby Hawk
    Posted July 1, 2008 at 6:37 pm

    Sorry g, that is the best I can do. If you have something to add that would be great.I don’t mind a bit.I appreciate everyone for stopping by and leaving comments.please feel free to do so. Best wishes to you all. Ruby

  11. kk
    Posted February 10, 2009 at 6:21 pm

    umm good

  12. Luke
    Posted May 21, 2009 at 11:49 am

    You have to put your hand infornt of the ball? i never knew that ishould try it

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