Expert: Jack Elliott - 5/12/2009

Question
How do you grip and release the ball for different types of pitching?

Answer
Hi Garrett,

This is a good question.  Here, are a few things to consider.

1.  You want to grip the ball not too hard and not too lightly either.  You are looking for something in between.  This is really about the same will all different types of pitches.  Basically you don't want to grip the ball too hard or you will risk developing blisters which can negatively impact your pitching.  Just think to get a firm grasp of the ball where you aren't pressing and that will be sufficient.

2.  Release of the ball is similar for most pitches.  The only exception is the curveball.  Pitches like a fastball, changeup, slider all are released where one or two of the lead fingers (index and middle finger release the ball towards home).  However, a curveball is slightly different because you will want the ball to release by essentially rolling out of the top of your hand and letting the motion of your arm going down cause the momemntum creating the curve.  Some people advocate a wrist snap or flick, but that increases the risk of injury and is really unnecessary.

3.  Regarding the specific grips of different pitches.  I will refer you to my site for some basic information on a few of them.  If this is not sufficient for you, I suggest buying a good instructional pitching book.  Tom House has a couple that show the different grips and how to throw them and these can be very helpful.  One of these is "The Pitching Edge".  Regardless, here are the link to my site about a few different pitching grips:

http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Pitching/Fastball.html
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Pitching/Curveball.html
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Pitching/Change-up.html
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com/Baseball-Pitching/Knuckleball.html

4.  I suggest you stick with only about 3 pitches at first and really learn to master these pitches.  This is important as you will learn making slight adjustments with your hand grip can have a significant impact on your pitching in terms of movement, velocity, and control.  I suggest you practice a fastball, changeup and a breaking pitch of either a curveball or slider.  As you practice these pitches over time, you will start to recognize what grips work best for you.  Since everyone is different what works for you may not work as well for someone else and vice versa.  However, by practicing you will be able to figure this out for yourself.

Hope the above helps.

Best,
Jack Elliott
http://www.baseballtrainingtechniques.com