How to Pitch a Slurve Ball?
Pitching is one of the most important skills to master when playing baseball. It requires accuracy, control, and a variety of pitches to keep hitters off balance. One of the trickiest pitches to throw is the slurve ball, a combination of a slider and curveball. With the right technique, you can use this pitch to keep batters guessing and off balance.
What is a Slurve Ball?
A slurve is a hybrid pitch that combines the characteristics of a slider and a curveball. Its name comes from the combination of the two pitches, as the word “slurve” is a portmanteau of slider and curve. The slurve is one of the most difficult pitches to control, as it requires the pitcher to put a lot of spin on the ball and maintain a consistent release point.
Grip
The grip for a slurve ball is similar to that of a slider. The pitcher should put his middle and index fingers on the seams of the ball, with the middle finger slightly ahead of the index finger. The thumb should be placed directly underneath the ball, and the pitcher should grip the ball tightly.
Release Point
The release point is one of the most important aspects of throwing a slurve. The pitcher should have a consistent release point that is slightly higher than his normal release point. This will help the pitcher get more spin on the ball and keep it from breaking too late.
Arm Motion
When throwing a slurve, the pitcher should use a slightly different arm motion than he would for a regular curveball. Instead of snapping his wrist down at the end of his delivery, the pitcher should keep his arm slightly bent and snap his wrist forward at the release point.
Follow Through
The follow through is also important for getting the most out of the pitch. The pitcher should finish his delivery with his arm above his head and follow through with his arm in a straight line. This will help the pitcher put more spin on the ball and keep it from breaking too late.
Timing
Timing is key when throwing a slurve. The pitcher should try to release the ball at the same time as he would for a regular curveball. If the release is too early or too late, the pitch will be less effective.
Speed
The speed of the pitch is also important for getting the most out of the slurve. The pitcher should try to throw the pitch at a slightly slower speed than his regular curveball. This will help him keep the pitch from breaking too late and also give him more control over the pitch.
Location
The location of the pitch is also important for getting the most out of a slurve. The pitcher should try to keep the pitch down in the strike zone and away from the hitter’s bat. This will help him keep the pitch from breaking too late and give him more control over the pitch.
Practice
The most important thing when learning how to pitch a slurve is practice. The pitcher should practice his delivery and release point until he is comfortable throwing the pitch. He should also practice throwing the pitch at different speeds and locations to get a feel for the pitch.
Tips for Pitching a Slurve
- Maintain a consistent release point
- Snap your wrist forward at the release point
- Finish your delivery with your arm above your head
- Throw the pitch at a slightly slower speed than your regular curveball
- Keep the pitch down in the strike zone and away from the hitter’s bat
- Practice your delivery and release point
Conclusion
The slurve ball is a difficult pitch to master, but it can be an effective weapon in a pitcher’s arsenal. By maintaining a consistent release point, snapping your wrist forward at the release point, and practicing your delivery, you can develop the ability to throw a slurve ball that will keep hitters off balance.