12 Types Of Baseball Pitches That Are Really Cool
Baseball is a game full of strategy. This is especially true when it comes to pitching. It might seem simple at first, but in reality, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
There are many different types of pitches a pitcher can throw. Each pitch has a unique speed, movement, or spin. Understanding these pitches can help players and fans understand the game better. These are 12 types of baseball pitches.
Curveball
A curveball is a slower pitch with a lot of movement. It spins down and away from the batter. This makes it hard to hit. The curveball can drop sharply as it nears the plate. It’s a pitch that can fool even the best hitters.
Two-Seam Fastball
A two-seam fastball is a fast pitch with slight movement. It moves in or out, depending on how it’s thrown. The movement makes it harder to hit than a regular fastball. The two-seam fastball is gripped along the seams, which gives it its name. It can be a bit unpredictable because of the movement.
Fastball
A fastball is the most common pitch in baseball. It is thrown very fast, usually over 90 miles per hour in the major leagues! The goal is to get the ball past the batter quickly. There is little movement, making it a straight pitch. It’s common for a fastball to be the first pitch a young pitcher learns.
Slider
A slider is a pitch that moves sideways. It is faster than a curveball but slower than a fastball. The ball breaks sharply just before reaching the batter. This makes it difficult to make solid contact. It’s a pitch that can change direction quickly.
Sinker
A sinker is a fast pitch that drops as it reaches the plate. The drop makes it hard to hit well. Many ground balls are hit off sinkers. The sinker can be difficult to lift into the air. It’s a pitch that’s often thrown low in the strike zone.
Cutter
A cutter is a type of fastball that breaks slightly. It moves away from the batter’s weak spot. It’s faster than a slider but has less movement. The cutter can be thrown with the same grip as a fastball but with a slight twist. It can be very effective against hitters who are expecting a straight pitch.
Knuckleball
A knuckleball is a very slow pitch with almost no spin. The lack of spin makes it move unpredictably. It can dart in any direction, making it hard to hit. The knuckleball is different from any other pitch because of its random movement. It can be difficult for both batters and catchers to handle.
Changeup
A changeup looks like a fastball but is much slower. The slower speed throws off the batter’s timing. It is used to make fastballs more effective. The batter may swing too early because of the deceptive speed. The changeup is usually thrown with the same arm motion as a fastball.
Split-finger Fastball
A split-finger fastball, or splitter, is a pitch that drops sharply. It starts fast but slows down quickly. The drop makes batters swing over it. The splitter is gripped with fingers spread apart, which gives it its name. This pitch can be tough to hit solidly because of the late drop.
Forkball
A forkball is similar to a splitter but drops even more. It’s gripped deep between the fingers. The ball tumbles down as it reaches the plate. The forkball is thrown with a downward motion. It’s a pitch that can cause a lot of swing-and-miss.
Knuckle-Curve
A knuckle curve is a mix between a knuckleball and a curveball. It has the unpredictable movement of a knuckleball but with a curve. This pitch is slower and breaks downward. The knuckle curve combines the best of both pitches. It can be tricky for batters to hit because of its dual movement.
Screwball
A screwball is a pitch that breaks in the opposite direction of a curveball. It moves toward a right-handed batter if thrown by a right-handed pitcher. The unusual movement can confuse batters. The screwball is usually gripped with the fingers twisted. It’s a rare pitch that not many pitchers throw.
12 Sporting Legends That Baby Boomers Adore
