Video:How to Throw a Split-Finger Fastball
with Kris TottenThrowing a split-finger fastball in baseball is easier than you may think. Watch this About.com video to see the proper form for pitching this type of fastball.See Transcript
Transcript:How to Throw a Split-Finger Fastball
Kris Totten here from Akadema Sports Equipment, here for About.com. I'm going to show you how to throw a split-finger fastball.
What's a Split-Finger Fastball?
Now, the point of the split-finger fastball is it's going to look like a four-seam fastball, at the very end it's going to dip when it gets to your catcher. So the hitter's reading four-seam fastball. Now with the grip that you are putting on your fingers, as you are releasing it, it's going to dip at the last second.
Throwing a Split-Finger Fastball
Now, the split-finger fastball is exactly what it sounds like. You are going to split your fingers on the seams of the ball. The horseshoe part of the baseball, you want to split with the fingers here. This will allow for the tumbling effect when you release the ball. You are throwing it just like your fastball and you are going to pull at the last second to help create that downward movement when the ball gets there.
Starting Position for a Split-Finger Fastball
To get started here, you want to make sure that your shoulders are square to your target, your feet are shoulder width apart. Now, we are going to take our first step which is a step back. You want to create that momentum going back and then establish it towards your target. The next step will be that pivot, which is going to bring you to your third step, which is the most important, which is the balance.
You are going to make sure that knee stays up, right to the belt buckle. Your hands are still together, hands at your chest. Now this is going to bring you to your stride, keeping your weight on that back leg. As you stride towards your target, you are going to break your hands. You are going to allow your elbow to go above your shoulder, baseball pointing towards your center fielder. So you are breaking and as the foot lands, when that foot hits, you've got to be ready to explode toward your target.
Thank you for watching. For more information, go to: Sports.About.com.