When it comes to pitching in baseball, there is a wide variety of styles that a pitcher can choose from. The most famous throw, the fastball, is widely known as a staple due to its speed and variations in how it can be thrown. One way that a fastball can be thrown is the four-seam style.
The four-seam fastball is one of the strongest and fastest throws a pitcher can utilize. The four-seam gets its name from the view of the ball when it is thrown. When thrown, four seams are visible with each rotation. Today, we will show you how to master the four-seam fastball to make you a better pitcher.
Grip the Ball in Your Pitching Hand
How you grip the baseball will be the basis for how your pitch will be thrown. To grip a baseball for the four-seam fastball, you will want to position your index and middle finger perpendicular across one of the U-shaped seams of the ball. Each finger should touch the corresponding seams on the inside and the top.
Hold the Bottom of the Ball With Your Thumb
When throwing a four-seam pitch, your thumb will act as more of an anchor for stability, as most of the pitch comes from the wrist when fully extended. To achieve this, place your thumb on the bottom of the ball near the inside to keep the ball nice and tight in your hand.
Allow Your Ring Finger to Rest on the Side of the Ball
Now, with your ring finger, you can allow the ball to rest fully in your hand by bringing this finger up into your hand to cradle the baseball. You will want to ensure you are not putting too much pressure on this finger, as this could seriously throw off the pitch.
Allow the Ball to Settle Deep Inside Your Hand
To ensure the best power and control of your pitch, settle the ball deeply into your palm. This allows you to keep a tight grip, essential in throwing a four-seam fastball.
Grip the Ball Tightly
As you prepare to pitch, you should start gripping the ball more tightly. Apply pressure with your index and middle fingers and thumb, distributing pressure evenly across the ball. You can use a grip-strengthening workout tool to help you build strength for this.
Wind Up Your Pitch
The wind-up for a four-seam fastball is much like any other pitch you usually throw. The most important thing to do here is to hide the grip on the ball with your glove when winding up. This will ensure you are not tipping off the batter and giving away your fastball pitch.
Position Your Arm at an Outward Angle When Pitching
You must ensure your arm is positioned correctly through the throw to put the correct spin on the ball. To do this, you will want your arm angled slightly outward. To practice this throw, you can imagine that there is a clock that is facing the batter. You will want your arm to come through the 10:00-11:00 position.
Place More Pressure on Your Index Finger
As you bring your wrist forward to throw, put more pressure on the index finger to ensure that the spin gets the speed it needs. By applying pressure on this finger, you can achieve the classic four-seam fastball as the ball spends in the opposite direction.
Rotate Your Wrist Outward & Down
Once your arm becomes level with your face, release the ball and allow it to leave quickly. Ensure that your fingers are out of the way, minus your pointer finger, which you will use to spin the ball. Allow your pointer finger to drag alongside the ball quickly to make the ball curve. When done correctly, this will give the ball enough curve to break in the opposite direction as a screwball should.
Release the Ball Once Your Arm has Fully Extended
As your arm starts to reach full extension, release the ball. When doing so, snap the wrist towards the ground and away from your body to allow the ball to curve toward the plate.
Practice. Practice. Practice.
Now that we have looked at every step needed to throw a perfect four-seam fastball, it's time for you to get out there and practice this throw. Practice makes a good pitcher great, and getting some time under your belt with each pitch will only make you better. If you feel that you are not getting the speed or curve you want, adjust how you hold the ball or twist your wrist. Not all pitchers' hands are the same, so it is imperative to get comfortable with your throw before trying it out in a game.