Curve spin

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JJsqueeze

Dad, Husband....legend
Jul 5, 2013
5,436
38
safe in an undisclosed location
now that DD has gotten a full week's rest after the season it is time to start lite pitching practice again. On the fall menu is getting the curve game ready. I like to make sure the spin is as close to perfect as possible while still understanding what a good real world spin a is is. I have been told that the curve can be squared up to a true 9-3 spin but can't find any clips of it. DDs spin is more like 8-2 so it has a little rise spin in it. she also throws it in the first base dugout but that is a separate issue :) Anyone have nice crisp slo motion clips of a good curveball spin?
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
I think what is important about learning the curve is not throwing it to a specific location at first, but just getting the spin right and working to get the velocity up; just as you seem set out to do.

I see so many, at end of summer tryouts, asked what pitches "they have" and a curve is usually in the mix. But I see very few the have any break - they just alter release angle to hit the spot. Whatever PC's these kids have are doing them a great disservice in letting them proceed like this.

Learn how to spin and make the ball move first, then work on location.

As far as spin, I think the "corkscrew" curve is a nice one for a young pitcher to learn as her introduction to east-west movement pitches. Certainly not a true 9-3 spinning curveball, but if achieved, gives the pitcher incentive to progress with more advanced "movement pitches" because seeing the look on a young kid's face when the throw a good break for the first time is priceless.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
The thumb opposes the tip of the middle finger, which pulls around the outside of the ball. If the hand/wrist isn't cocked enough, I get some crise spin. If I allow my hand to pronate though release, I get spiral spin.
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Last edited:
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
... I think the "corkscrew" curve is a nice one for a young pitcher to learn as her introduction to east-west movement pitches. Certainly not a true 9-3 spinning curveball, but if achieved, gives the pitcher incentive to progress with more advanced "movement pitches" because seeing the look on a young kid's face when the throw a good break for the first time is priceless.

Corkscrew spin is due to a serious mechanical defect that must be corrected immediately. It will not happen if they have proper IR/BI.
 
Last edited:
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
Just to clarify, are we taking about the mechanics of the release or the resulting spin which is often described as bullet spin?
 
Last edited:
Feb 7, 2013
3,188
48
Anyone have nice crisp slo motion clips of a good curveball spin?

Anybody......?

I think BM is correct. Throwing a curveball is achieved by turning the door knob, rotating the upper body at release, with the hand finishing across to the opposite pocket. The effect is corkscrew spin and the ball does curve.
 

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