What Is A Curveball In Baseball?

What Is a Curveball?

A curveball is a type of pitch in baseball that is thrown with spin so that it breaks away from the batter as it approaches the plate. It is one of the most difficult pitches to hit, which makes it an effective weapon for pitchers.

Right-handed pitchers usually throw curveballs to left-handed batters and vice versa. This is because the ball breaks away from the batter in the opposite direction of the handedness (i.e., a right-handed pitcher throwing to a left-handed batter will see the ball break away from the batter towards the right side the plate).

Some of baseball’s most famous curveball pitchers include Sandy Koufax, Clayton Kershaw, and Curt Schilling. These pitchers were able to use their curveballs to great effect and become some of the greatest pitchers of all time.

How To Throw a Curveball

There are a few different ways to throw a curveball, but the most common is to grip the ball with your index and middle fingers along the seams and your thumb underneath the ball. When you throw the ball, snap your wrist downward while releasing the ball. This will make the ball spin and create a curve.

If you want to throw a harder curveball, try gripping the ball with your index finger only on one of the seams. Put your middle finger along the seam on the opposite side of the ball, and place your thumb underneath the ball. When you throw the ball, snap your wrist downward, releasing it to make it spin.

You can also try throwing a knuckle curveball. To do this, grip the ball with your index and middle fingers along the seams and your thumb underneath the ball. Put your knuckle on top of the ball, and when you throw it, snap your wrist downward while releasing the ball. This will make it spin and create a curve.

Can Throwing a Curveball Hurt Your Arm?

So, can throwing a curveball hurt your arm? The answer is yes, it is possible. When you throw a curveball, you are putting a lot of stress on your elbow and shoulder. This can lead to injuries such as tendonitis or even a torn ligament. If you regularly throw curveballs, it is important to make sure that you warm up properly and stretch before pitching.

While there is no guarantee that throwing a curveball will hurt your arm, it is definitely something to be aware of. If you are experiencing pain in your elbow or shoulder after pitching, make sure to see a doctor to rule out any serious injuries.

Check out the video below from former MLB pitcher Al Leiter on when to start throwing a curveball.