2 or 3 fingers on the ball?

[thefinest]

What age did your kids switch to 2 fingers on the grip? Was it a hard transition and how much speed did they pick up if any?

My dd is 13 and has big hands..I'm wondering if I should have her start trying it with 2 fingers on the grip now.

 

[riseball]

Less is more. I would encourage her to try throwing with 2 and see how it goes. However, I think it is unreasonable to expect an immediate increase in speed but it will come over time. I have no tangible data but I would guess that the majority of HS age pitchers throw with 3 fingers. Not many girls ever have the hand size to throw with 2 fingers. If they can they are blessed and should use the gift.

 

[Doug Romrell]

I believe that some girls can't and shouldn't move to a 2-finger grip. But, if she has long fingers, try it. Two of my three pitching students use the 2-finger for dropball-fastball. One of the two has VERY long fingers, and it really gives her the advantage

 

[sluggers]

two fingers if she can...

 

[Doug Romrell]

Sluggers, You agreeing with me again??? We'll have to do lunch sometime.

 

[CT Comets Dad]

Would a 4 finger grip result in an additional off-speed pitch?

 

[riseball]

Four fingers, push ball into palm, don't load the wrist. Sometimes a great way to throw an off-speed pitch is by doing all the "wrong" things. I teach a change up that no matter how hard they try they cannot throw it fast.

 

[coach james]

If her hands are big enough...then absolutely, yes throw with two! She can add a couple fingers to drop a few mphs, just to keep batters off balance