How To Throw A Fastball In Baseball
How To Throw A Fastball In Baseball. As a pitcher your fastball can be the most intimidating pitch in your arsenal. Follow these steps to bring some serious heat to your baseball talent!
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Step 1:
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Get A Grip
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The classic four-seam grip is done by first placing your index and middle fingers about an inch apart so that they cover the seams. Try not to cover the seams with your finger tips or you will lose velocity on the ball. Place your thumb on the other side of the ball but between your two fingers.
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Step 2:
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The Windup
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While sizing up your target grip the ball, keeping it hidden in your glove so as not to tip off the opponents. With your foot on the rubber, take a small step backwards with your other foot to start your windup. Keeping the center of your weight over the rubber, bring your glove and pitching hand to your head. While bringing your hands back down, pivot your foot, flush against the rubber.
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Step 3:
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The Delivery
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With your eyes focused on your target lift your knee, rotate your hips, and keep your other knee slightly bent to maintain balance and power. As you lower your stride leg begin to take the ball out of the glove and cock your gun. Your pitching arm should continue swing upward while your glove hand is now pulling your front shoulder towards home plate. Your throwing elbow should be above your shoulder while you are rotating your hips. The ball is release from your fingers with your hand in front of your body, while allowing your fingers to stay on top of the ball. Your pitching arm extends out and down, causing your hand to do the same. Your front leg should be slightly bent as, with your foot slightly closed to home plate.
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Step 4:
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Follow Through
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As you release the ball your front leg should stiffen so that your leg and upper body are now at a 90 degree angle. Your back leg should swing around next to your stride leg putting you in a fielding position.
