curve ball MYTHS

Curve ball myths
Joe McFarland

Coaching Pitchers

Learn to throw the deuce, like the Boomer.

Because the only difference between the curve and the fastball is the release, the release is the area on which to concentrate. The pitcher should go through the release mechanics several times without actually throwing the ball, just to get the feel of the difference between the curve and the fastball. The next step is to throw the ball into the ground, noting the direction of the bounce. If the ball is bouncing straight ahead, the correct spin is being used; if the ball bounces to the right (for a right-handed pitcher), there is too much sidespin.

When the correct spin is learned, the pitcher should throw to a partner from 40 feet away, working out of the stretch and concentrating on reaching, proper spin, and finishing elbow-to-knee. When a pitcher is learning the curve, he or she should be concerned with the number of rotations and not with velocity. The number of rotations is the key to a good curve ball. The more rotations, the bigger the break, due to more air resistance on the seams.

When the curve mechanics feel comfortable, the pitcher should throw from the rubber and add velocity as needed. There is no standard speed for a curve. When mixed with the maximum rotations, whatever speed gives a pitcher the best curve is entirely individual. However, most curves are thrown approximately 8 to 12 miles per hour slower than the fastball. In most cases, the slower the curve, the bigger the break. Many pitchers throw a slower curve for a strike and the harder curve for an out pitch.

Curve ball myths

Many coaches believe myths that cause them to teach improper techniques for throwing the curve. Some of these myths are harmful to a young pitcher's arm, and some techniques are improper because the mechanics allow the batter to easily pick up the pitch. These myths are mentioned here in an attempt to put them to rest, once and for all.

Shortening the stride

For years, coaches have taught pitchers to shorten their stride when throwing the curve, in an effort to keep the pitch down in the strike zone. But, in fact, the pitcher should land in the same place on every pitch, for consistent mechanics. A pitcher who lands in different locations on different pitches may be injured due to what that does to the condition of the mound. And changing stride length can be picked up by the batter, tipping him or her off to the pitch.

Instead of telling pitchers to shorten their stride, have them concentrate on getting their head out in front of their stride leg, and encourage them to stay on top of the ball with the bent-arm follow-through.

Wrapping the curve

In an effort to make a pitcher throw a 12-to-6 curve ball, many coaches have the pitcher get the fingers and hand on top of the ball before the release area. Not only is this mechanically wrong, but the batter can then see a curve ball coming before the pitcher releases the pitch.

Wrapping the curve is very hard on the arm for several reasons. It easily results in the elbow being down below the shoulder, which can lead to elbow damage. And when the wrist is wrapped so close to the head (no extension), the elbow and shoulder both have much more strain placed upon them during the twist of the release. When the arm is extended out and away from the body, as in fastball mechanics, there is very little strain on the arm.

The wrapped curve is very easy to pick up because the wrist begins to wrap on the way up. Also, even though many pitchers do have some luck with this pitch, it is not easily thrown past a good hitter; it has a big break, and is slower than a curve delivered with proper fastball mechanics. Many pitchers are taught, wrongly, to bring the ball in closer to the head for more vertical break. Instead, for best results the arm should use the same path as the fastball.

Leading with the elbow

Many coaches still teach pitchers to lead with the elbow when throwing the curve ball, for a greater break. The arm naturally leads with the elbow, so this action should not be forced. The pitcher should use fastball mechanics until the release.

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