PITCHING Mechanics Rise Ball Drop Ball Change Up Curve Speed Control

DEVELOPING THE DROP By: Bill Hudson I have found this to be one of the easiest pitches to teach (along with the change-up). An experienced pitcher can learn to throw this pitch effectively in a couple of weeks. Some pitches have a natural drop due to their release of the ball off the fingertips. The grip is the same for both type of drops: the peel drop and the snap-over drop (two or three fingers across the seams so that all four seams are rotating forward or down). Peel Drop The arm is extended by the right leg with fingers pointing towards the ground and the palm facing the plate. As the ball is rolling off the tips of the fingers, the wrist is pulled up creating a downward ball rotation. Note: Practice this at a shorter distance the same as with the other pitches. Feel the ball rolling off the ends of your fingers. If it's not rolling off the ends of your fingers, you are bending your wrist or your elbow or both too early. Snap-Over Drop Arm is close the side and wrist snaps over the ball with fingers pointing toward the ground on the follow through. Do not allow your elbow to extend very far from the side as this will slow the pitch down and also could cause arm or shoulder problems. Note: This pitch can be learned quickly by practicing the following method: · With the left arm extended, hold the glove in front and to the right of the right leg. (This would put the glove a few inches above and to the right of the right knee). · Throw the ball down into the glove with the wrist snapping over the ball creating a downward spin. · After you master this, then you can repeat the procedure as you stride forward. · Now practice throwing the ball into your glove as you stride twice. The third time you repeat the procedure, but this time you move the glove just before the pitch and you will see the pitch drop in the vicinity of the plate. · If your pitches are consistently going high, practice trying to make the ball hit home plate. This will encourage you snap the wrist over more to make the pitch go down.