hey im a 15 year old freshman. I have a decent fastball(4 and 2 seam) in the mid 70's and a better than average changeup. I had a decent curveball last year, but now coach wants me to not drop my arm when i throw it and i have been having trouble getting break on it. i hoping for some good suggestions. thanks

Maroon and White-
By dropping your arm I assume you mean throwing more at side arm or 3/4 angle. You want to have the same arm angle release as all your other pitches, trying not to "tip off" the curve ball. Try to come straight over the top, like you were trying to graze your ear with your elbow. Sometimes I shorten my stride just a little bit when the break isn't working the way I want it to. Always try to snap off your wrist with the thumb pushing the ball over. Hope some of this helps.

PP10

If you were dropping your arm or elbow, you were risking injury. You need good extension on your arm, good finger rotation on the ball, not wrist rotation and pull down, as they used to say, pull down the window shade. If your coach tells you what he doesn't want you to do, try asking him what you should do. You can also get an opinion from an experienced instructor.

Ya i agree, actually when i started throwing a curve a few years ago is when I started having some arm problems,but this year with my coach teaching me proper arm slot and pitching technique i havent had any trouble. My coach tells me to stay on top of the ball when it comes to the curve, he even makes me use a softball to help me do so when im warming up before pitching. I'll try some of these techniques next time im on the mound. Thanks

try different grips also. Sometimes it is a combo of a certain arm angle and grip that gets the best movement.

We have to see some film of it, or you will just receive guesses. Put up a clip, and you can get some real help. Good luck

k ill try that thanks

hey thanks everyone for those tips. So far my curveball has been working very well. Coaches are so impressed with my pitching I'm the number 1 starter for JV as of now. I've also been invited to the scrimmage the Varsity is having Saturday. I appreciate the help. Thanks again.

Give it your all M & W, and good luck this season.

I'm a 16 year old junior and my coach is always telling me how well my curveball works. I even get comments from the umpires saying they have never seen a ball cut and drop so suddenly. The key i do is not worry about turning your wrist or fingers or whatever else people tell you. While I was at UVA the pitching coach shared his secret with myself and a few others. He told us that throwing a curveball DOES NOT involve snapping of any kind. If you have proper mechanics and a proper grip then the curveball will break. Just concentrate on finishing correctly. Personally i throw in a little tug on the ball with my middle finger and thumb. It is kind of hard to describe but ill take a video of my grip and how it moves if anyone is interested... PM me

well if u still need help, u should go through same motion as if u were throwing a fast ball and twist the wrist when u reallease it at last second.

and dont think to much.

if u nee more help, u should buy a book called, "pitch like a pro" by Leo Mazzone

quote:

He told us that throwing a curveball DOES NOT involve snapping of any kind.

In my opinion he gave you good advice.

i have thrown a knuckle curve ball all my life and lately it hasnt been breaking as much as before. It hangs more often, and i wonder why its doing that.

Rotation, rotation, rotation...

You need to sideline your curveball to get it working.

Try practicing from the back of the mound, you'll be throwing uphill. A good drill I got from Nolan Ryan.

Also, switch to basics. Really slow your arm down ( on the side of course ) and bring your arm thru the paces. Be sure to bring your arm thru the full path and snap it down in front of you.

You need to think top to bottom with the curve not front to back.

After a few sessions this should get you back on track.

Remember, you need to walk before you can run.

Best,

Mojo

thanks mojo, ill be sure to try it today at practice