Annoying problem

Dh33,

I have been in a similar situation. I throw a 4 seam, 2 seam, curve, and change. I started throwing the 2 seam about 2 years ago so I have had the time to play with it. To get that type of break on it, I applied more pressure to my index finger. I had the tendency to put most of the pressure on my middle finger when throwing to the outside corner. It worked for me so maybe it will work for you, but no pitcher is the same I can't guarantee a different result.

TSP4

You may get the action you want from a slider or sinker.

It sounds like you are a lefty.

What may help is to tell us if you are a RHP or LHP. If you refer to sides of the plate as "armside" or "opposite armside" we do not have to worry about L or R.

I think I know what you are talking about.
From what you have talked about you are RHP I think. You are asking why is harder to sink the ball opposite arm side. Well get in line but it can be done. Throwing a sinker (aka 2 seam FB) can be a difficult pitch to master for some. You can do it by turning the ball over (which is not real good for the arm) or by pointing your fingers away from your head slightly while keeping the same arm slot. Tough to tell in words, but if you understand what the ball will do and how to impart spin to get the desired movement then it is a little easier.

On a website is not the easiest place to learn how to sink the ball.

What you are asking is tough to do period. Everything has work pretty well and timing is a must. If you can get in your mind that it is a straight line from your back foot to your catcher not matter where he is then you are ahead of the game. Bottom line is you cannot spin off of the pitch to sink the ball opposite armside, or anywhere for matter.....but it is very common for young pitchers to spin (front side leaving early, running away from your arm etc...) when doing this.

I know it's not alot of help but you are asking alot for someone to explain this to you online. But hey I gave it a shot. Hope it helps. Don't spin to drive or even sink the ball opposite armside.

DH33, RHP, correct ? Have you tried moving toward 1st on the rubber as you mentioned ? Sounds like when you go outside you end up throwing across your body a bit and that is likely the reason you are losing the tail. If moving on the rubber doesn't help or you aren't comfortable with it, you may try opening a bit with your footstrike placement and see if that helps.

I think Yankeelvr is onto it here. The first thing I'd check is where your front foot is landing. It's very difficult to get sink throwing across your body. For a RHP, make sure you're striding toward the chalk on the inside of the LH batter's box. That should square you up to start the pitch right around there and have it move back over the corner.

Jon

quote:

Originally posted by Yankeelvr:
DH33, RHP, correct ? Have you tried moving toward 1st on the rubber as you mentioned ? Sounds like when you go outside you end up throwing across your body a bit and that is likely the reason you are losing the tail.

Assuming a RHP, the angle is overwhelming the movement, if you will. Pitching from the 1B side of the rubber rather than the 3B will decrease the angle and help. However, if you pitch from both sides of the rubber, you need to throw more than just one pitch from both sides of the rubber. Otherwise, you will tip your pitches.

right now I'm in the process of making adjustments with my mechanics, throwing side sessions every day [until I get tired]
I was always on the extreme 3rd base side, to create the illusion as if my fastball was coming at the hitter [I am a RHP], but found I was throwing across my body, and losing a ton of velocity, and creating arm soreness.

Anyway, now i'm middle-1st base side, and I'm weary of moving completely over because then getting the fastball inside to rightys could potentially create the same problem I had before.

Thanks for the help guys.
More ideas appreciated!

You do not have to throw every pitch from the same location on the rubber. Changing sides of the rubber allows you to change angles on the batter. That can be a useful weapon in your arsenal. But as previously stated, you must be sure that you throw different pitches and angles from both sides of the rubber, so as not to tip your pitches.

And a college scout won't mind the change as long as it [switching on the rubber] doesn't tip anything?

No one ever commented on Texan Son doing so.

Fair enough, Thanks for your help Tex, preciate it greatly!

Not quite sure of the conditions of your mounds but it can be of great advantage to have the ability to move around on the rubber. As you do more of it you'll find a certain "feel" for each position you choose. If you don't get that feel, maybe moving about isn't for you, you'll need to make adjustments from the position you're comfortable. Always remember, pitching is much more about art than science.

the conditions suck to be honest.

they are to the extreme.
At our cities local fields, the mound is too low, and your almost throwing up hill... yea, its bad

Then at the College's field, the mound is like a mountain, and, granted, my curve is sick on it, its a pain to get the ball down.

then my custom mound at my house, to be honest, is probably perfect, its regulation and works great.
Its where I do most of my work.