Throwing a screwball is one of the most difficult pitches for a pitcher to master. It is a type of pitch that involves the use of a tight rotation of the wrist, which causes the ball to break sharply in the opposite direction from the pitcher’s natural throwing motion. This pitch is often used to fool batters by keeping them guessing and off balance. If you’re looking to add a new pitch to your repertoire, the screwball is a great option. Here are the basics of how to throw a screwball.
Get the Right Grip
The key to throwing a successful screwball is to start with the right grip. To do this, you’ll need to place your index and middle fingers on the ball, with your thumb underneath. Your index finger should be on the outside of the ball and your middle finger should be on the inside of the ball. This grip will help you achieve the tight rotation of the wrist that is necessary to throw a successful screwball.
Position Your Body
Once you have the right grip, it’s time to position your body. You should stand with your feet just a bit wider than shoulder width apart, with your throwing arm extended out in front of you and your glove arm slightly bent. This will give you the optimal balance and leverage to throw a screwball.
Start Your Motion
Once you’re in the right position, you can begin your motion. Start by bringing your throwing arm up and across your body. As you do this, you should be rotating your wrist so that your thumb moves from the outside to the inside of the ball. This will cause the ball to break sharply in the opposite direction from the pitcher’s natural throwing motion.
Follow Through
Once the ball is released, you’ll need to follow through with your motion. This means continuing to rotate your wrist and arm until your arm is pointing towards the catcher. This will help you achieve maximum spin and break on the ball.
Focus On Your Target
It’s important to stay focused on your target throughout your pitch. You should be aiming for the inside corner of the plate and keeping your eyes on the spot you want the ball to go. This will help you stay on target and maximize the effectiveness of the pitch.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The key to mastering the screwball is to practice, practice, practice. You should spend plenty of time on the mound trying to perfect your technique. Try to focus on the details and make sure you’re doing everything correctly. With enough practice, you’ll be able to consistently throw a successful screwball.
Conclusion
Throwing a screwball is one of the most difficult pitches for a pitcher to master. It requires a tight rotation of the wrist and precise body positioning. With the right grip, motion, and follow through, you can add the screwball to your repertoire and start fooling batters with this deceptive pitch. Practice is key, so make sure you spend enough time on the mound perfecting your technique. Good luck!