Screwball help

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May 9, 2008
3
0
Maine
My daughter learned the screwball this winter but is struggling with control. Specifically, she throws it consistently through the righthanded batter's box. What are the mechanics she should focus on to bring that pitch closer to the plate. Are there any drills that could help? She is 18 and has been pitching for 5 years.
Thanks
 
May 7, 2008
109
0
Without seeing her throw, this will only be a guess.

When my DD is throwing her screw TOO far inside it is because she is stepping TOO far to the left of the power line (assuming your DD is a righty).

So try cutting the distance the landing foot lands from the power line while doing everything else the same.

Good luck,

Keith
 
May 9, 2008
3
0
Maine
Thanks Keith. She is right handed. It seems couterintuitive to step less to the left to make the ball go less to the right but we will try it over the weekend (Don't want to mess with anything during the week with three games scheduled)
Scott
 
May 7, 2008
4
0
put pressure on the finger next to the little finger finger pressure are overlooked and it is one of the most important aspectes of spinning the ball keep the arm in tight and make the move from the elbow down
 
May 7, 2008
109
0
Weather,

The further you step to the left the flatter the angle becomes if you draw a straight line from release to the inside corner of the plate. This flattening cause the ball to be too far inside.

IF you were stepping left of the power line AND throwing outside THEN the farther you step the farther outside the pitch would go.

I want my DD's screw to look like an inside corner pitch but I want it to continue to ride in on the hitters hands as they begin their swing. The pitch is useless if it's TOO far inside from release.

Keith
 

Ken Krause

Administrator
Admin
May 7, 2008
3,911
113
Mundelein, IL
Bigdaddy has a good suggestion. Another thing to look at is if she is open enough at delivery. If the right side starts to close it will push the ball inside. You want to release the ball when it comes over/to the power line. It can then drift a bit back inside and then break. Again, just a suggestion sight unseen.
 
Note that the key to throwing a good screwball is that the pitcher has simply set up a new powerline. By landing left of the powerline and subsequently toe dragging in the same direction the pitcher puts herself in a very strong/safe position. Ensure that her finger/wrist/arm action is down the new powerline. Make certain she is not doing a twisting/screwing motion with her wrist. This is often taught but really not effective and is liable to cause injury.
Rick
 

pdj

May 7, 2008
26
0
Screw vs. Cutter

The past few years I have seen several pitchers change their minds about throwing the screwball. Watching the mechanics of Bill Hillhouse throwing a cut fastball changed their minds. Same pitching motion with added index finger pressure causes the ball to sink and break toward the pitching arm side. Several good pitchers have and do throw this pitch. House is the only one I know of teaching it.

Should you get to a Hillhouse clinic be sure and ask him to toss you a cutter.
 
May 7, 2008
442
16
DFW
Rick

Note that the key to throwing a good screwball is that the pitcher has simply set up a new powerline. By landing left of the powerline and subsequently toe dragging in the same direction the pitcher puts herself in a very strong/safe position. Ensure that her finger/wrist/arm action is down the new powerline. Make certain she is not doing a twisting/screwing motion with her wrist. This is often taught but really not effective and is liable to cause injury.
Rick

Would you share with me your thoughts on not turning the wrist over with the screw ball. I have always understood that to be correct for the screw ball as well as using the fingers to manipulate the spin. Would be interested in your approach to teaching the screw.

Elliott.
 

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