Q&A for How to Throw a Curveball

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  • Question
    How do you throw a curveball for a 12 year old?
    Isaac Hess
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007.
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Expert Answer
    You'll want to release the ball as close to your body as you can. This is called "short arming," and will create more resistance between your middle finger and seam, increasing spin and curve.
  • Question
    What is the best way to throw a curveball?
    Isaac Hess
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Isaac Hess is a Baseball Coach, Instructor, and the Founder of MADE Baseball Development and Champion Mindset Training Program, a baseball training program based in Los Angeles, California. Isaac has over 14 years of experience coaching baseball and specializes in private lessons and tournaments. He has played baseball for both professional and collegiate leagues including Washington State University and the University of Arizona. Isaac was ranked as one of Baseball America's top 10 prospects for 2007 and 2008. He earned a BS in Regional Development from the University of Arizona in 2007.
    Baseball Coach & Instructor
    Expert Answer
    Grip the ball in a certain way on the side of the horseshoe. There is no one right way there; you can have multiple grips. The back of your hand is going to face out. So if I'm a lefty, it's going to face to the left when I'm at release, and the palm is going to be right. It's going to be as if I'm pulling down and shaking cans or pulling down a light, if there's a string that pulls a light lamp.
  • Question
    Do I need to throw a curveball fast?
    Community Answer
    No, curveballs are supposed to have movement. Usually it is the movement that confuses hitters, not the speed (which is why they are called off-speed pitches).
  • Question
    What injuries can someone under 15-years-old develop from throwing a curveball?
    Top Answerer
    Pitching in general can strain young arm and shoulder muscles. Pitching a curveball puts added stress on the elbow's ligaments and tendons.
  • Question
    What age is this appropriate at?
    Community Answer
    Anyone who is under 15 should not throw curve-balls because it can harm their arms. Thus, fifteen and over is appropriate.
  • Question
    Can I throw a curveball from the stretch?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can throw any pitch from the stretch. The windup gives you more power, the stretch just cuts down the time you have to throw the pitch. It quickens the delivery.
  • Question
    How do I kick a curve ball in soccer?
    Community Answer
    You run in on an angle and, when kicking the ball, you slide your foot around it and follow through.
  • Question
    How do I throw a fastball?
    Community Answer
    Hold your fingers on the seams that look like a horseshoe and throw it straight ahead.
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