Baseball Pitching Styles

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There are over 25 different pitching styles. Too many to cover in one article but weve picked some of the all time favors to explore a little deeper.
BeanballThe beanball pitch is very similar to the brushback pitch and it is intended to hit the batter preferably in the head. Without reading any further you should be able to guess that this pitch is not recommend but it is sometimes seen when a pitcher is trying to vent. A pitcher that uses this technique often quickly gets dubbed as a headhunter by the team.
CurveballA curveball pitch is thrown with a grip and hand motion that has extra and extra rotation placed on the ball. This causes it to break and fly with a more exaggerated curve that the batter would expect. This pitch is slower than a fastball and the difference in velocity throws the hitters timing off. A good curveball will drop sharply as it reaches the plate resulting in the batter swinging too high. It is one of the hardest pitches to hit. However a curveball that is improperly executed will curve too soon and be much easier to hit. The curveball is produced by the pitcher snapping his wrist in a downward motion as he releases the ball. Baseball historians claim that the curve ball dates to the later part of the 19th century first used by Candy Cummings.
ScrewballA screwball is very similar to a curveball but it is thrown from the back of the hand to get an opposite movement and rotation.
FastballThis is the most common type of baseball pitch. Power pitchers can throw a fastball up to 100 mph. They rely on this speed to stop the ball from being hit. Others throw slower but put more movement on the ball. The effect of a fastball can make it difficult for a batter to focus in and connect. This is called an exploding fastball. As if a fastball isnt tricky enough they are often thrown with a backspin to create an upward force that falls much slower.
KnuckleballIs often referred to as the knuckler for short. This is a pitch that is thrown to minimize the spin of the ball. The lack of spin creates chaotic air over the seams causing an unpredictable motion. This makes the pitch difficult for the batter. This is also a difficult ball for the catcher to catch.
ScrewballThe screwball is thrown to break in the opposite direction of a curveball. A right hand pitcher will have a screwball break left to right,The Golfer's Guide To Optimal Arousal,Wholesale Jordan Hats,Three Simple Golf Swing Lessons, while a left hand pitcher will have it break right to left. The screwball is seldom used anymore because it is an awkward arm motion that is difficult to master and the snap is very violent so very hard on the arm. There are a few major league pitchers left that still like to use the screwball because of the effect on the batter.
SliderAlso referred to as the nickel curve its a cross between a curveball and a fastball. It has more speed than a curve but less break and tends to drop less. The extra speed tends to fool the batter into thinking its a fastball and then its too late. Youll hear the slider referred to as the great equalizer because it allows pitchers to gain dominance over the batter. However it is also a very hard on the pitchers arm.
Besides the more well know pitches weve just discussed there are also some players recognized for their own interesting variations to some of these pitches.
Hideo Nomo PitchHis full body pitch has become famous for its ability to hide the ball and distract the batter. Its an extreme delivery with full extension yet still maintaining some traditional form.
David Cone PitchMore than his own pitch its more like Davids own style that is so compact and yet extremely effective. His combination of overhand three quarters and sidearms keeps the batter on his toes not knowing what to expect.
Randy Johnson PitchRandy has taken advantage of his height with his intuitive pitching style that incorporates the sidearm pitch. His reach gives him an edge but even pitchers without the reach can learn this technique.