Throwing a Screwball
Learn How To Throw a Backwards Curveball
To put it simply, a screwball is a backwards curveball. Coming from a right-handed pitcher, a screwball will break down and in on a right-handed hitter, and down and away on a left handed hitter. A left-handed pitcher will find their screwball to move down and in on a left-handed hitter, and down and away on a right-handed hitter. The unique motion on this pitch can make it a devastating weapon in a pitcher's arsenal.
The Grip
The screwball grip is essentially the same as a four seam fastball grip. The index and middle fingers should be on the top of the ball at the point where the seams are the furthest apart. The thumb should be placed underneath the ball along the bottom seam and the ring finger and pinky should be tucked comfortbaly against the side of the ball. The ring finger and pinky should not be applying a lot of pressure to the ball.
The Release
The key to a successful screwball release is generating the proper spin. To achieve the best spin, the index finger and thumb should be applying almost all of the pressure to the ball. The pitcher should go into his normal delivery motion, but at the release point he should turn his wrist inward in a corkscrew motion before he releases the ball.
The Finish
To finish the screwball, the pitcher should follow through the throw just like a fastball. His back should be flat, and his arm should come across his body and finish near his glove-side leg. Finishing the pitch is crucial to throwing an effecive screwball.
When to Use a Screwball
A screwball can be an effective pitch in several situations. If a right-handed pitcher is facing a left-handed hitter, it might not be smart to throw a curveball. However, throwing a screwball can be a great way to get the hitter out. Typically, a lefty hitter facing a righty pitcher is not expecting the ball to break away from him. A screwball is a great way to keep him off balanced and can be an effective "out" pitch when thrown correctly.
Practice Throwing the Screwball
In order to throw an effective screwball, a pitcher must practice it. Throwing a new pitch for a strike takes a lot of time, effort, and practice. The only way to improve at a new pitch is to throw it more. When first starting to learn how to throw a screwball, a pitcher should practice the correct grip and release when playing catch. This will give him a good opportunity to get a feel for the pitch without putting strain on his arm.
Once a pitcher is comfortable with the grip, they can begin to throw it in their bullpen sessions. This is a good time to work on the proper release point, and to perfect the amount of movement necessary to make the pitch successful.
Finally, once a pitcher is able to throw the screwball for strikes in a bullpen session, they can begin introducing it in game situations. The only way to get better at a new pitch is to throw it. The more a screwball is thrown, the more a pitcher will feel comfortable throwing it, and the more success he will see from it.
To learn how to throw other baseball pitches, check out:
Proper Screwball Grip
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