4 seam fastball

4-Seam Fastball

The 4-seam fastball is held with a basic grip and thrown naturally. It is the easiest pitch to control because of its end-over-end spin. So use its speed and its pinpoint location to freeze hitters.

"Though speed is an essential element of the fastball, location and strategy are what ultimately make it effective."

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Step 1

Grip the ball with two fingers of your pitching hand

Half-inch apart and perpendicular to the seams

Thumb on the bottom of the ball beneath and between the fingers

Finger's width space between your palm and the back of the ball

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Step 2

Make your pitching delivery

Release the ball directly toward home plate

Palm behind and under the ball

Fingers on top of it

Put straight backspin onto the ball

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Skills Drills

Leg drills

A fastball's speed comes from balance, power and direction. Strengthening your legs can help you maintain these and increase the velocity of your pitches.

Catch

To work on your control, play an easy game of catch with a partner. Stand approximately pitching distance apart and use the 4-seam fastball grip and a half-speed pitching delivery. For each throw to the middle of the other person's chest, award one point. Play to 10, 15 or 21.

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Troubleshooting Tips

For Lack of Control

If the ball seems to be sliding out of your hand and is difficult to control, your fingers may be too close together in your grip. When holding a 4-seam fastball grip, your opposite hand's index finger should just fit between your top two fingers on the ball.

READ "Curve ball myths"

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by
Jon Anderson
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