Grip and Finger Placement
The screwball grip is similar to the changeup grip, but with a few key differences.
Step 1
Orient three fingers (thumb, index, and middle) at the 11 o’clock position on the baseball, while keeping the ring and pinky fingers underneath the ball.
Step 2
Move your thumb slightly to the right so that it is just off the seam of the baseball.
Step 3
Place your index finger on the opposite side of the seam, slightly to the left of the 12 o’clock position.
Step 4
Position your middle finger just to the right of the index finger, also slightly off the seam.
Step 5
Keep your wrist straight and your fingers relaxed as you grip the ball.
Here is a table summarizing the grip and finger placement for the screwball:
| Finger | Position |
|---|---|
| Thumb | 11 o’clock position, just off the seam |
| Index finger | 12 o’clock position, slightly to the left of the seam |
| Middle finger | Just to the right of the index finger, slightly off the seam |
| Ring finger | Underneath the ball |
| Pinky finger | Underneath the ball |
Arm Action and Release Point
Throwing a screwball requires a unique arm action and release point to create the characteristic inward break. The key is to pronate the forearm and release the ball from the side of the hand.
Arm Action
Begin with your arm extended forward, palm facing down. As you bring your arm back, gradually rotate your forearm so that your palm is facing inward. This pronation creates the necessary spin that will cause the ball to break. Keep your elbow slightly bent throughout the motion.
Release Point
The release point is crucial for generating the desired break. Release the ball from the side of your hand, with your thumb pointing towards the catcher. Aim to release the ball slightly below shoulder height and slightly behind your body. This positioning will help impart the necessary spin and inward movement.
Tips for Release Point
- Keep your wrist firm and snap it down as you release.
- Experiment with different release points until you find the one that produces the best break.
- Practice regularly to develop muscle memory and improve consistency.
Wrist Position and Snap
The wrist position and snap are two of the most important factors in throwing a screwball. The wrist should be in a neutral position, with the palm facing the target. The snap is the quick flick of the wrist that gives the screwball its unique movement. To get the proper snap, you need to keep your wrist relaxed and allow it to snap naturally.
Here are some tips for getting the proper wrist position and snap:
- Keep your wrist relaxed.
- Hold the ball with your fingers on top and your thumb on the bottom.
- Keep your palm facing the target.
- As you release the ball, flick your wrist forward and down.
It takes practice to get the proper wrist position and snap, but with time and effort, you will be able to throw a screwball that has a lot of movement.
Tips for Throwing a Screwball
Here are some additional tips for throwing a screwball:
- Use a fastball grip.
- Throw the ball with a downward angle.
- Keep your arm in a loose and relaxed position.
- Practice, practice, practice!
With practice, you will be able to throw a screwball that is a valuable addition to your arsenal of pitches.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Grip the ball with your middle finger on the top seam and your index and ring fingers on the bottom seam. |
| 2 | Place your thumb on the side of the ball. |
| 3 | Keep your wrist straight and your palm facing down. |
| 4 | Bring the ball back in a smooth, fluid motion. |
| 5 | As you release the ball, snap your wrist forward. |
Mechanics and Timing
Throwing a screwball effectively requires precise mechanics and impeccable timing. Let’s break down the key elements involved:
Grip
The grip is the foundation for generating the screwball’s unique movement. Hold the baseball as you would for a curveball, with your index and middle fingers across the horseshoe seam. However, slightly rotate your hand counterclockwise so that your fingers are pointing towards the first base side. This subtle adjustment sets the stage for the screwball’s characteristic spinning action.
Arm Action
The arm action for a screwball is similar to that of a curveball, with a downward and outward motion. As you swing your arm forward, keep your elbow below your shoulder and your wrist in a flexed position. This allows you to impart a downward force on the ball, creating the vertical drop.
Release Point
The release point is critical for generating the screwball’s lateral movement. Release the ball slightly wider than you would for a fastball or curveball. This creates an angle that allows the ball to spin more effectively, producing the inward break toward the batter.
Pronation
Pronation is a crucial aspect of the screwball’s action. As you release the ball, rotate your forearm inward towards the first base side. This pronation motion imparts a clockwise spin to the ball, causing it to deviate inward as it travels through the air. The greater the pronation, the more pronounced the lateral movement will be.
| Pronation Range | Lateral Break |
|---|---|
| Low | Minimal |
| Medium | Moderate |
| High | Significant |
Mastering the mechanics and timing of the screwball requires consistent practice and attention to detail. By following these guidelines and making the necessary adjustments, you can enhance your pitching repertoire with this deceptive and effective pitch.
Pitching from the Wind-Up
The wind-up is the most common delivery method for a screwball. To pitch a screwball from the wind-up:
- Begin with your feet shoulder-width apart, your weight evenly distributed, and your back straight.
- As you start your motion, lift your lead leg and bring your throwing hand back.
- As you stride forward, rotate your hips and torso towards your target.
- As you release the ball, flick your wrist outward and downward, imparting a clockwise spin on the ball.
- Follow through with your arm and leg, finishing with your weight on your back foot.
Here are some additional tips for throwing a screwball from the wind-up:
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Keep your arm loose and relaxed | This will help you to generate more spin on the ball. |
| Focus on throwing the ball down and away | This will help the ball to tail away from right-handed batters. |
| Practice regularly | The more you practice, the better you will become at throwing a screwball. |
Pitching from the Set Position
1. **Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart** and your knees slightly bent. Position your left foot slightly in front of your right foot.
2. **Hold the ball in your right hand with your fingers behind the ball and your thumb on top.** Your grip should be comfortable and secure.
3. **Bring your right arm back** and hold the ball at shoulder height. Keep your elbow bent and your forearm parallel to the ground.
4. **As you begin your forward motion**, step forward with your left foot and extend your right arm forward towards the plate.
5. **As you step forward**, rotate your right arm and hand inwards so that your thumb is facing down.
6. **As you release the ball**, pronate your forearm and snap your wrist.** Pronation is the act of turning your forearm so that your palm faces down and your fingers point towards the ground. This motion gives the ball its characteristic downward and side-to-side movement. Follow these specific steps for proper pronation:
- As you rotate your arm and hand inwards towards the release point, keep your thumb down and your fingers curled around the inside of the ball.
- As you release the ball, quickly snap your wrist downwards and outwards.
- The sudden change in wrist position causes the ball to spin rapidly in a clockwise direction (for a right-handed pitcher).
7. **Follow through with your right arm** by extending it towards the plate and snapping your wrist. This motion will help you generate power and accuracy.
Controlling Velocity and Movement
Grip
The screwball grip is similar to the changeup grip, but with the middle finger slightly off-set to the left to create a more pronounced downward spin. Keep your thumb on the top of the baseball, and your index and middle fingers on the sides.
Arm Action
The arm action for a screwball is similar to that of a fastball. Wind up with your elbow high and your arm parallel to the ground. As you bring your hand forward, rotate your forearm clockwise and snap your wrist downward at the release point.
Release Point
Release the screwball at a lower angle than a fastball, around 3/4 of the way down your body. This will help create the downward spin that gives the screwball its movement.
Velocity
The screwball is typically thrown slower than a fastball, around 80-85 mph. This is because the downward spin creates more drag on the ball, slowing it down.
Movement
The screwball breaks sharply downward due to a combination of downward spin and the Magnus effect. The downward spin creates a pressure difference between the top and bottom of the ball, which causes it to curve downward as it travels through the air.
Factors Affecting Movement
The amount of movement on a screwball is affected by several factors:
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Velocity | Lower velocity increases downward movement |
| Spin Rate | Higher spin rate creates more downward movement |
| Release Angle | Lower release angle increases downward movement |
| Ball Placement | Throwing the screwball inside increases downward movement |
Variations and Special Pitches
There are numerous variations and special screwball pitches that pitchers have developed over the years to enhance its effectiveness:
Circle Changeup
Also known as a “changeup,” this variation features a slower, downward trajectory than a traditional screwball. It is often used to surprise batters who are expecting a faster screwball.
Palmball
The palmball is a slow, looping pitch with minimal movement. It is typically thrown at a low velocity and is used to deceive batters with its lack of velocity and unpredictable trajectory.
Vulcan Changeup
This variation is characterized by an exaggerated downward movement, making it appear to drop off the table as it approaches the plate. It is often used as a strikeout pitch against unsuspecting batters.
Slider
A slider is a hybrid pitch between a fastball and a screwball, combining the velocity of the former with the movement of the latter. It is typically thrown with a downward trajectory and has a tight, sweeping motion.
Knuckleball
A knuckleball is a slow, unpredictable pitch that features little or no spin. It is thrown with a loose grip, allowing the ball to flutter erratically as it travels. Due to its unpredictable nature, it can be very difficult for batters to hit.
Knuckleball Pitchers
Knuckleball pitchers are known for their unique ability to throw this highly specialized pitch. Notable knuckleball pitchers include Phil Niekro, Tim Wakefield, and R.A. Dickey.
| Knuckleball Pitcher | No-hitters |
|---|---|
| Phil Niekro | 5 |
| Tim Wakefield | 2 |
| R.A. Dickey | 1 |
Grip
There are two common grips for throwing a screwball: the traditional grip and the modified grip.
Traditional grip: Hold the ball with your middle finger on the horseshoe seam and your index finger and ring finger on the smooth leather on either side of it. Your thumb should be placed on the opposite side of the ball, slightly below the horseshoe seam.
Modified grip: This grip is similar to the traditional grip, but your middle finger is placed on the smooth leather next to the horseshoe seam, instead of on the seam itself. This grip can help to reduce stress on your middle finger.
Arm Action
The arm action for a screwball is similar to that of a fastball, but there are a few key differences.
– When you release the ball, your wrist should be slightly pronated (turned inward).
– Your elbow should be slightly bent, and your forearm should be angled slightly inward.
– Your fingers should be relaxed, and you should not grip the ball too tightly.
Release Point
The release point for a screwball is typically lower than that of a fastball. This is because the ball needs to be thrown with a downward tilt in order to get the desired movement.
The ideal release point for a screwball is about 3/4 of the way down your body. This will allow you to get the ball to the plate with the proper spin and trajectory.
Common Mistakes and Adjustments
Common Mistakes
There are a few common mistakes that pitchers make when throwing a screwball. These mistakes can prevent the ball from moving as desired, or they can lead to injury.
- Gripping the ball too tightly. This can cause the ball to slip out of your hand, or it can lead to pain in your fingers or wrist.
- Releasing the ball too high. This will cause the ball to float, and it will not have the desired movement.
- Not pronating your wrist enough. This will cause the ball to move straight, rather than curving away from the batter.
Adjustments
If you are having trouble throwing a screwball, there are a few adjustments you can make. These adjustments can help you to improve your grip, release point, and arm action.
- Experiment with different grips. Find a grip that feels comfortable and allows you to get the desired movement on the ball.
- Practice your release point. The ideal release point for a screwball is about 3/4 of the way down your body.
- Focus on pronating your wrist. This is the key to getting the ball to curve away from the batter.
Variations
There are a few variations of the screwball that pitchers can throw. These variations include:
- Spike curveball. This is a screwball that is thrown with a sharp downward break. It is often used as a strikeout pitch.
- Knuckle screwball. This is a screwball that is thrown with very little velocity and spin. It is difficult to hit, but it is also difficult to control.
- Gyroball. This is a screwball that is thrown with a unique spin that makes it appear to rise as it approaches the plate. It is a relatively new pitch, and it is still being studied by scientists.
Practice and Development Tips
**1. Start Early:** Introduce the screwball to young pitchers, ideally around the age of 10-12, when their bones are still malleable and they have not yet developed dominant throwing patterns.
**2. Grip and Release:** Teach the pitcher to hold the ball using a similar grip as a curveball but with a slight inward rotation of the hand. Instruct them to release the ball from the inside of the hand, toward the thumb.
**3. Wrist Position:** Emphasize keeping the wrist loose and relaxed, as excessive tension can hinder the screwball’s movement.
**4. Elbow Action:** Explain that the screwball’s downward motion comes from a slight inward twist of the elbow as the ball is released.
**5. Body Position:** Encourage the pitcher to stay balanced and maintain a good posture throughout the delivery.
**6. Arm Strength:** Develop the pitcher’s arm strength through regular weightlifting and throwing exercises. A stronger arm allows for greater control and velocity.
**7. Repetition and Practice:** Consistent practice is crucial for mastering the screwball. Include it in throwing sessions and live game simulations.
**8. Seek Coaching Guidance:** Find a knowledgeable coach or mentor who can provide personalized guidance and feedback.
**9. Video Analysis:** Use video analysis to identify areas for improvement and correct any technical flaws.
**10. Progressive Implementation:** Gradually introduce the screwball into game situations, starting with low-stakes games and working up to competitive matches. The following table provides a suggested timeline for implementation:
| Level | Timeframe |
|---|---|
| Practice | 1-3 months |
| Informal Games | 4-6 months |
| Competitive Games | 6+ months |
How To Throw A Screwball In Baseball
The screwball is a type of pitch in baseball that breaks away from the batter. It is thrown with a similar motion to a fastball, but the wrist is pronated at the point of release, causing the ball to spin in a clockwise direction. This spin causes the ball to move in a downward and away direction from the batter.
To throw a screwball, the pitcher must first grip the ball with the middle finger on top of the ball and the thumb on the side. The index finger should be placed on the side of the ball, slightly below the middle finger. The pitcher should then bring the ball back in a similar motion to a fastball, but with the wrist slightly pronated. At the point of release, the pitcher should snap the wrist forward and pronate the arm, causing the ball to spin in a clockwise direction.
The screwball is a difficult pitch to master, but it can be a very effective weapon for pitchers who can throw it consistently. It is a good pitch to use against batters who are looking for a fastball, as it can break away from them and make it difficult to hit.
People Also Ask About How To Throw A Screwball In Baseball
What is the difference between a screwball and a curveball?
A screwball and a curveball are both breaking pitches, but they differ in the way they are thrown. A screwball is thrown with a pronated wrist, causing the ball to spin in a clockwise direction. A curveball is thrown with a supinated wrist, causing the ball to spin in a counter-clockwise direction.
Is a screwball harder to hit than a curveball?
Whether a screwball is harder to hit than a curveball depends on the individual batter. Some batters find screwballs to be more difficult to hit because they break away from them, while others find curveballs to be more difficult to hit because they drop down more sharply.
Who are some famous pitchers who have thrown a screwball?
Some famous pitchers who have thrown a screwball include:
- Juan Marichal
- Phil Niekro
- Bruce Sutter
- Roger Clemens
- Trevor Hoffman
