I keep throwing cutters from the infield. What is the proper adjustment to make? Do I move my thumb more under the ball?
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Keep your index and middle fingers on top of the ball and thumb underneath the ball.
What about grip on the seams - two seam or four seam?
What about arm slot - a natural 3/4 over the "top" or closer to a sidearm slot?
I would say that these two and what redbird put would be the three biggest causes for throwing a cutter when you don't want to.
What about arm slot - a natural 3/4 over the "top" or closer to a sidearm slot?
I would say that these two and what redbird put would be the three biggest causes for throwing a cutter when you don't want to.
All that plus foot placement, move your feet! Get closed up and make sure you are following through on the ball.
Or flying open with your front side...
There could be 20 different things that you could be doing.
There could be 20 different things that you could be doing.
quote:Originally posted by redbird5:
Or flying open with your front side...
There could be 20 different things that you could be doing.
Agreed and one thing can lead to another thing and another thing. There is rarely an easy fix but it can be fixable if you know the cause and how to fix it.
I guess this doesn't really help the OP but maybe if he can post some video we could do a little more.
Placement of the top two fingers will have the greatest effect of ball movement. Fingers too close together on top of the ball will lead to more natural cutting action versus fingers farther apart on top of the ball.
Could you please explain more on how the ball moves- what direction is it moving? Are you right handed?
Could you please explain more on how the ball moves- what direction is it moving? Are you right handed?
First of all, thanks for all the responses. I throw from a natural 3/4 slot. I do emphasize staying closed and do a good job of stepping towards the target so I guess the problem would be my finger placement. My goal is to get a four-seam grip every time with the exception of sometimes when I need to get rid of the ball quick. I think me having relatively small hands may relate to the problem as well. I've been experimenting with the "feel" of the ball in my hand lately and feel as though when I have my THIRD finger more closer to the top of the ball, the feel just feels a lot much better. Any thoughts on that? Thanks again.
An easy thought for you is to make sure your forearm faces your target before release and simply pull down with your fingers to get proper spin. Good luck.
quote:Originally posted by kt333:
First of all, thanks for all the responses. I throw from a natural 3/4 slot. I do emphasize staying closed and do a good job of stepping towards the target so I guess the problem would be my finger placement. My goal is to get a four-seam grip every time with the exception of sometimes when I need to get rid of the ball quick. I think me having relatively small hands may relate to the problem as well. I've been experimenting with the "feel" of the ball in my hand lately and feel as though when I have my THIRD finger more closer to the top of the ball, the feel just feels a lot much better. Any thoughts on that? Thanks again.
I believe the answer to your problem lies within your above statement; "my goal is to get a four seam grip every time EXCEPT when I need to get rid of the ball quick.
I'm betting more often than not, that you are NOT throwing four seams. It is a "learned skill." You move the ball in your hand to the correct position while throwing.
I'm conscious and aware enough to know when I have 4 seams on a ball. It happens during warm ups as well.
quote:Originally posted by redbird5:
An easy thought for you is to make sure your forearm faces your target before release and simply pull down with your fingers to get proper spin. Good luck.
Thanks, I'll implement that mental adjustment into my throwing routine.
