Untitled

Slider

The slider has high velocity and sharp break near the batter. It is held much like a curveball but off center, and thrown much like a fastball, with the palm behind the ball at release. A quick downward action during the release gives the ball its spin.

"CAUTION: Improperly throwing the slider can cause serious injury."

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 1

Grip the ball

First two fingers close together along a seam, off center

Support the ball by placing your thumb directly beneath your two fingers

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 2

Deliver the ball

Keep your palm behind the ball during the throwing motion

Right before release, push your top fingers straight downward

Put a sideways spin on the ball

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Step 3

Follow through

Bring the pitching arm down toward your knee

Step forward

The pitch should have good velocity and break toward your non-dominant side late in the trajectory

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Skills Drills

Start slow and mix it up

Practice the slider gently and easily at first. Slowly build up speed over time. Never go through a pitching warm-up throwing only sliders. Mix up all your pitches for more balance and less risk of injury.

Practice

The best way to practice throwing a slider is to throw it. But keep from throwing it too much because it puts your arm through a lot of wear and tear.

Troubleshooting Tips

For More Bite

If your slider is not biting, try to imagine that you are turning a doorknob with your fingers while releasing the pitch.

Speed or Spin?

If you think the pitch is going too fast, don't worry. The faster the better. Don't worry about sacrificing speed for more spin.

Think Fast

Always think fastball until the point of release.

READ "Every pitch counts"

This site is awarded the

In recognition of creativity, integrity and excellence on the Web.
The term "Little League" and the Little League logo are trademarks of Little League Baseball, Inc., Williamsport, Pa., extended only to local chartered leagues for purposes of identification and publicity

Brookside Little League, Inc.

Thank you , for visiting Brookside's Little Legue Web Site

by
Jon Anderson
jontanderson@juno.com