How to Throw a “Hammer” Curveball

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HOW TO THROW A

DAN BLEWETT LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

Overview of the Learning process 1. The Flight of the Curveball 4. Learn to See and Feel Errors Slower due to spin application only Looking for 12-6 or 1-7 break (lefties 11-5) Goal: pitch spins in diretion of travel Too much latera break = too much sidespin Consistent spin = consistent speed & action Should break across center line

2. The Curveball Grip is Universal 5. Find a Partner, and Pay Attention Middle finger is the action finger Higher focus on feel = faster progress Thumb can help straighten the spin Focus hard on consistent shape Index finger placement is up to you Ask throwing partner for constant feedback

3. Learn to Spin it with Simple Drills 6. Increase Speed when 80% Compliant Goal #1 is feeling topspin vs sidespin As speed increases, compliance decreases Simple drills help isolate the hand Compliance = perfect changeups Teach the hand first, then add mechanics When 8 of 10 are correct, add speed LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

perfecting your “hammer” curve 1. Must be Part of Throwing Routine 4. Find Your Ideal Shape The curve improves with time and practice Partner will tell you which shape is sharpest Should be part of every throwing session Some pitchers are best at 12-6, others 1-7 Feel needs to be nurtured on consistent basis You’re unique, so we need to experiment

2. Throw it at Slower Speeds More Often 5. Throw to Three Ending Locations To overhaul a curve, slow speed works better Middle of the plate Focus hard on repeating your ideal shape Glove-side third Hand movement is easier at low speeds Bouncing on the point of the plate

3. Throw in Sequences by Pairing, Alternating 6. Throw it Harder Than the Fastball Alternate fastballs and curveballs The finish and follow-through is crucial Or, cycle: Two curves, one fastball Force the pitch straight as long as possible Or, cycle through all pitches Avoid the curve “popping up” out of your hand LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

how much slower should a curveball be? 12-15% slower than the fastball. arm-speed is converted into spin, slowing the pitch. LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

what PRoper spin looks like ball should look a glassy white when spinning tightly with a good spin axis

12-6 SPIN 1-7 SPIN (pitcher’s poV) (pitcher’s poV) LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

three curveball ending locations

even or behind 0-1 or 1-2 Count breaks to the middle breaks to borderline of the plate ball/strike location on outer third

0-2 or 1-2 Count

breaks to the point of the plate LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

the three learning phases LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

the 80% rule

You must throw 80% of your curveballs perfectly before throwing them harder, or moving on to the next drill in the progression The harder you throw a pitch, the harder it is for you to consciously control it, and “do” what you’re trying to do to it.

As you begin learning, you’ll be able to apply proper spin at low speeds after just a session or two. But, as you throw harder, and progress to drills that allow more freedom of movement, your compliance with good form will go down.

If you allow yourself to throw bad curveballs 40 or 50% of the time...you’ll develop a sloppy curveball.

So, only add velocity, and only progress to the next drill when you are throwing 80% of them perfectly at your current drill and speed. LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

the flow of drills, feedback and repetition LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

pitch-by-pitch feedback LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

the three learning phases LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

the drills (In progressive order) The Key Three remember! 1. Bucket Drill Use the Stretch & Windup Simple drill for 25-30ft throws The core of any throwing routine Teaches pitcher to get above ball to apply topspin Learn to repeat your delivery Helps teach direction, shape and hand action Inconsistent mechanics = inconsistent curveball 2. Square-Hips Drill How you’ll pitch in a game, so get comfortable! Good for 40-45ft Restricts motion to help develop body control Increase Speed when 80% Compliant Helps the pitcher get his hand to consistent position As speed increases, compliance decreases

3. Heel-Toe Drill Compliance = perfect curveballs Great drill for 45-55ft When 8 of 10 are correct, add speed Abide by 80% rule at all times, or you’re wasting Integrates the whole body, helps lead with hip Good, controlled position that feels smooth time not getting better. LEARNING THE CURVEBALL

trust the process 1. It Takes Time. 4. Your Focal Point Determines End Point Developing any high-quality pitch takes time and Because your new hammer curveball will break better effort. The harder you focus, and the more repetitions than ever before, you must account for its movement by you get, the faster your curveball will progress. throwing it to a focal point (where you focus your eyes) that accounts for the amount of movement you expect. Start it 2. Stay Out of Your Head there, and it will end up where you want. The more a pitcher thinks about his curveball, 5. Break the Middle Line the more he tends to tense up, preventing the arm and The farther you throw a curveball to the arm-side of hand from fluidly applying spin. Taking a deep breath the plate, the softer it will break. Focus hard on getting your before each one is a good tactic; set the grip, and forget hand to the imaginary center line of the plate, and practice it. You can’t muscle a curveball...relax! getting it to break to the glove-side of that center line.

3. Apply Arm Speed at The End The water slowly flows down a lazy river, then WOOSH! It rushes down a waterfall. Your arm needs to relax and stay quiet until your hand gets to the front of the ball, then accelerate the arm viciously. About The Author Dan Blewett

I had a great run. After 23 years in baseball, including two Tommy John surgeries, two All-Star selections, and countless great memories in six pro seasons, I hung up my cleats.

Now, I’m passionate about sharing what I’ve learned all these years, in hopes I can help the next generation achieve more than I did.

My first book,Pitching Isn’t Complicated, is a comprehensive pitching manual. My second book, Dear Baseball Gods, will be released in late 2017 or early 2018. It’s a memoir, a collection of stories and lessons I learned throughout my time in baseball.

In the meantime, check out my podcast, Dear Baseball Gods, and connect with me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. I’m constantly adding to my online courses, Bat Breaker Pitching School. I’d love to hear from you.

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