How To Throw A Split-Fingered Fastball In Baseball
The split-fingered fastball looks like any other fastball, until it sinks at the last second. Also called the splitter, it's the offspring of the forkball- but these days the splitter brings a lot more velocity.
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Step 1:
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Get A Grip
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The split-fingered fastball grip is done by gripping the seams with your middle and index fingers.
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Step 2:
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Wind Up
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Proper mechanics are essential to becoming a exceptional pitcher. While sizing up your target grip the ball, keep 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 Man
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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 to 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 released 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, 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.
