GRIPS Being able to change speeds and use deception is very important, especially knowing that not every pitcher will be able to throw respectively hard. Being able to not only mix speeds but also locate with the different pitches can be the difference between someone being a key starter, reliever, and someone just trying to fill innings. Regardless a pitcher should be able to throw strikes or throw each pitch with some purpose. Here are some basic pitch grips seen in youth and high school baseball:

Fastball 4-seam fastball is straight and has the highest velocity and little movement, and should be the pitch the thrower feels most comfortable when needing a strike.

2-seam fastball has downward movement and may tail away from the throwing arm. Effective pitchers who use the 2-seam will likely get more groundballs. Using either finger to put more pressure on a seam will give the pitch more movement (middle finger: ball will cut, index finger: ball will tail and drop more). It’s important to not squeeze the ball, the forearm should be relaxed.

Off-speed Change-ups should work directly off of your primary fastball. Having a quality change-up can be more effective then a great curveball, especially for pitchers who throw considerably harder for their age but hitters are beginning to catch up to the fastball. A good change-up can help keep a hitter from being able to time up the pitcher because it looks identical to the fastball (same arm speed, arm slot and arm action). When explaining the deception of a good change-up its important to remember the relationship between it and a fastball. “The fastball sets up the change-up, and the change-up sets up the fastball.”

Curveball Curveballs seem to be every young pitchers favorite new pitch to learn. It is a great pitch and when thrown properly can get the toughest hitter out when fooled. However, it is important that before teaching a young pitcher to throw a curveball that they have enough arm strength (especially in forearm) to prevent injury to the forearm, elbow and/or shoulder because of the snapping arm action. There are different variations of the pitch shown below:

Other pitches: Slider

Knuckleball

Again, remember that a pitch is only good in its deception. Each pitch should be thrown with same arm slot and arm action. Varying between pitches will be easily spotted by a quality hitter and can provide an unnecessary advantage for a weaker hitter.