How to Throw a Screwball in Baseball

Throwing a screwball in the game of baseball is one of the most difficult things to learn. Pitchers are taught to throw the ball in a very different way since childhood and teaching their body to do the opposite is tough sometimes. Still, with practice and proper technique a screwball can be a very effective pitch. Here is how to throw a screwball effectively step-by-step.

The screwball is not a pitch that should be attempted by immature arms. Little leaguers and even Pony leaguers should be cautioned against throwing the screwball. The reason for this is because the screwball has a very unusual dynamic. It can throw your arm out easily if you are not used to it.

The basic idea behind throwing a screwball is to have the ball dive low and away or low and inside to a batter depending on which side they hit from. A screwball has the opposite motion of a curve ball. With practice, a screwball can be a devastating pitch to try to hit.

Throwing a screwball begins with finding proper finger placement. Most people that throw the screwball place the pointer and second finger over the widest parts between the seams. The third and fourth fingers are not used in the pitch as far as pressure. The thumb and pointer finger are the ones that should grip the ball and the middle finger guides the baseball.

When you throw a curve ball, you flick your wrist in a clockwise motion, thus spinning the ball. With a screwball, you do the opposite. Keeping pressure on the baseball with only the pointer finger and the thumb, you need to turn the wrist outward as you release the ball. This is very awkward for most pitchers.

You should not change anything about your delivery when you throw a screwball. All of your windup and arm speed should be the same as when you throw your other pitches. Changing these things will telegraph the pitch to the hitter and they will simply watch it pass by for a ball. Over time, it is possible to learn to throw the screwball for strikes just like with a curveball.