The knuckleball is a tough pitch to throw in baseball.One of the hardest to hit is it.The knuckleballs move in many directions as they approach the plate.It is a safe pitch that will not strain your arm and shoulder muscles and will allow you to go deeper in the game.By learning the different knuckleball grips and practicing with the right drills, you can add this unique and effective pitch to your collection.
Step 1: You can try the two-knuckle grip.
The tips of your fingers should be facing down.Put your fingers under the horseshoe seam on the baseball to grab the ball.Each baseball has four horseshoes.The horseshoe has two fingernails in the middle of it.If you want the ball to be firmly grasped, use enough pressure, but be careful not to chip your fingernail or injury your finger tip.Place your thumb and ring finger on the opposite side of the ball.
Step 2: There is a three-knuckle grip.
The tips of your fingers should be facing down.Put your fingers under the horseshoe seam on the baseball to grab the ball.The horseshoe has three fingernails in the middle of it.If you don't use enough pressure, the ball will hurt your fingertips.Put your thumb and finger on the opposite side of the ball.
Step 3: Try it with the four-knuckle grip.
The tips of your fingers should be facing down.Put your fingers under the horseshoe seam on the baseball to grab the ball.Put your fingernails in the middle of the horseshoe's seams.If you don't use enough pressure, the ball will hurt your fingertips.Take your thumb off the side of the ball.You need to grip harder to control the ball because this is your only stability point.
Step 4: Throw from the palms.
You don't want to dig your knuckles into the ball.The knuckleball was originally thrown with the knuckle pointing into the ball rather than the finger tips, but this is not as effective.You're trying to reduce the amount of spin on the ball.The ball may move more than necessary if you grab it with your hands.The pitch will be easier to hit if this is used.
Step 5: A fast arm motion is necessary.
Go through your windup with a normal motion.The pitcher should reveal the ball before the knuckleball is thrown.You shouldn't tip your pitches to the batter.Don't change your arm slot.It is possible that your knuckleball will knuckle and end up as a soft lob.
Step 6: As you release the pitch, keep your wrist up.
It's important to get minimal amount of spin.If you move your wrist down as you release the ball, it will cause it to travel straight, more or less.You don't want to spin when throwing a knuckleball, so you try to do the opposite.As you release the ball, extend your fingertips.Spin will be minimized by this.As you release, try to keep your knuckle the top point of your hand.If you have your knuckle at the top of your hand, less spin will be created when you release the ball.
Step 7: Your release was perfect.
Release your thumb from the grip to let the ball slip through your hands.If you are throwing any other pitch, follow through and end it.
Step 8: Know who will use it against you.
Batters that prefer to hit fast pitches are more likely to struggle with the knuckleball.Ask your teammates what they know about the batter.Batters who are impatient and swing a lot are good targets for the knuckleball.
Step 9: It's known when to use it.
Your knuckleball may become predictable if you use it too often, especially when you are new to it.It can be used as a strikeout and a change-of-pace pitch.When the count is full, use your strikeout pitches.If you are using it as a change-of-pace pitch, try to only use it once a day.
Step 10: It's a good idea to practice with a catch.
When you're playing catch, it's easier to throw a knuckleball out of the windup.After warming up, line up about 30 feet away from your throwing partner and practice mastering the grip and motion before you combine it all in a pitch.
Step 11: Try to throw straight up.
Try to throw the knuckler upwards instead of out.Get the right grip and let go.Throwing the ball vertically will help you remember to keep your wrist up.
Step 12: Practice with hot potato.
Try a zero-rotation hot potato with friends.Try to get everyone involved in the game to throw knuckleballs.