Fastball Grips and Purposes 101

This week we will be going over the proper ways to throw the fastball. The five main pitches at the high school and college level include the 4-seam fastball, 2-seam fastball, changeup, slider, and curveball. Knowing how to throw these pitches is one thing but getting to have all these pitches down is another. The goal for any pitcher, at any level, is to try to be confident in throwing three out of these five pitches. Below we will be going over the two different fastballs individually.

4-Seam Fastball

The 4-seam fastball is probably the most widely-known pitch out of the five. Simply because this is the grip we grew up throwing when we were just 8 years old. The concept when throwing the 4-seam is to throw it hard and at a spot ( typically the corners). Typically pitchers that choose this pitch over a 2-seam fastball are pitchers that throw hard. This is not the pitch to leave over the middle of the plate. Remember that this pitch is straight and hard, so you have little room for mistakes.

Basic Understanding of the 4-Seam Fastball

1. Hardest Velocity of any pitch

2. Strikeout pitch

3. Straight/No Movement

2-Seam Fastball

If you don't think the 2-seam fastball is an important pitch you're wrong. The 2-seam fastball is probably one of the best pitches to have in your arsenal. For pitchers that don't have crazy velocity, the 2-seam should be your best friend. There's nothing wrong with being a groundball pitcher. What I noticed for pitchers that don't like throwing the 2-seam is that they're not confident in throwing strikes with it. To gain confidence in this pitch throw it as much as you can. Throw it in warm-ups over the 4-seam. Reps is what gains the confidence.

Basic Understanding of the 2-Seam Fastball

1. 1-4 mph slower than a 4-seam

2. Groundball pitch

3. Movement

In next weeks post we will be going over the three off-speed pitches. If you any questions or comments visit the Contact page and we will get back with you.