Expert: John Priest - 8/10/2008

Question
In my league next year wee can trow curve alls. but i dont want to screw my armup. is there any breaking pitches that wont mess my arm up? would a knuckleball mess my arm up?

Answer
Jordan,
The most important and hardest pitch to learn to throw effectively is the change-up.  Even though you can throw curveballs next year make sure you can throw a change-up.  A knuckle ball is a good pitch but extremely hard to throw especially at your age because your hands are so small.  Any pitch can lead to and arm injury if your mechanics are incorrect.  If you can see a pitching instructor he will be able to tell you if your mechanics are correct.

A curveball if thrown correctly will not hurt the arm.  Most kids try to snap their wrist when throwing the curveball.  This can hurt the arm and makes the curveball more like a slider.  To throw the pitch correctly than you have to get your fingers on top of the ball and pull the front of the ball down with out snapping the wrist.  this will give the ball a 12:00-6:00 curve which is more effective.  Their is a little more to it which is easier if you have someone with you showing you.  The pitching instructor will help but he will most likely ask if you have a change-up first.

Good luck,
John Priest