THE CURVEBALL

Since kids are already spinning the ball (and trying to make it break) by age 10 or 11, we believe that it makes sense to teach them the correct methods early. Young pitchers are going to throw a breaking pitch of some kind in order to compete, so why not teach them the proper way to throw it from the beginning?

Veteran relief pitcher Dave Smith not only threw a great curve but has become a master at teaching it to young pros. Hold the ball along the long seam so that four seams hit the wind while it is in flight (fig. 4-24). Don't hold it out in your fingertips (fig. 4-25); "choke" it-that is, grip it back in your hand (fig. 4-26). You shouldn't try to force the ball to break straight down. The angle of the break that you get will depend on your natural arm position. Keep your hand on the side of the ball with your fingers on top as you release it, and be careful not to twist it (the old roundhouse flat curve) (fig. 4-27).

4-24. The basic curveball grip provides for great downward break with all four seams hitting the wind.

4-25. This curveball grip is wrong. You will never get consistent spin with a gap between the ball and your hand.

4-26. The proper grip shown here provides for the ball to be against the hand, or "choked." Notice that the thumb is below the seam and not on it. If your thumb rides the seam, you will inhibit the spin on your curveball.

4-27. This incorrect method will lead to serious elbow damage. With your fingers on the side of the ball, you will twist the ball and give it a sideways break.

4-28. By pointing your index finger at the catcher, you force yourself to impart proper curveball spin.

A curve that is too "big" is not effective at the higher levels of baseball: good hitters won't swing at it, umpires won't call it, and it will be a wasted pitch. Try to develop a hard, short, quick curveball if you have plans to pitch in pro ball. Begin by playing catch at a short distance. It will take you several workouts before you learn to spin the ball properly with any consistency, so be patient.

If the ball is breaking more sideways than down, that means that you are twisting it. Try pointing your index finger toward the target (the catcher's glove) and think "fastball." This method is the most efficient way to teach curveball spin; it forces you to keep your hand in the proper position as you release the ball (see fig. 4-28).

Refer to the Curveball Drill in the next chapter for more information on learning to throw the curve.