How to Throw a Sharp-Breaking Curveball in Baseball at the High School Level

A sharp-breaking curveball at the high school level can convert an ordinary pitcher into an extraordinary one. Simply put, if you learn how to effectively throw a curveball, you will be able to get more outs and strike out a number of batters.

In order to throw the curveball, you first need to understand the proper grip on the baseball. Accordingly, hold the ball in front of you so that the laces literally form the letter "C" when you are looking at the ball. Of course, if you are left-handed, you should reverse these instructions so that the laces form a backward "C."

Place the middle finger of your throwing hand against the top of the "C" so that it is resting right next to the laces. Your index finger should then be touching your middle finger so that together they form one unit on the baseball. Your thumb should be placed on the opposite side of the baseball directly under your index and middle fingers. When gripping the baseball, unlike your fastball, you should make sure there is no space between the ball and your hand. In other words, your hand - all the way from the tip of your index finger all the way to your thumb - should be making contact with the ball. When gripping the curveball, your ring and pinky fingers should remain tucked under the ball just as if you were throwing any other pitch.

In order to throw the curveball properly, you should start your motion as you normally would. However, when you get to the top of your motion, the palm of your hand should be facing you so that you are literally throwing the ball to the plate like a "karate chop." Your hand position throwing the ball to the plate should look like a backward "C" holding the ball, and make sure your elbow stays above the shoulder to avoid unneeded stress on the elbow. When you release the baseball, pull straight down sharply with your hand - just like a "karate chop" - while letting the ball roll off your middle and index fingers. If thrown properly, the ball will spin forward rapidly toward the batter and will break substantially.

Practice throwing this pitch so that you gain more control and until you learn how grip the curveball in your glove without too much movement or effort. If you move around too much or prepare your grip out in the open, you risk tipping off your pitch to the opposing team. Furthermore, if your curveball has a tendency to break left-to-right, adjust your hand position or come more over-the-top on your delivery to make the pitch break straight down. If your curveball breaks straight down, the batter will have greater trouble recognizing the pitch making it more difficult to hit.

Importantly, do not attempt throw a curveball until you are fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) years old, and your doctor provides approval to start throwing curveballs.