2 Seam Fastball
How To Master the 2 Seam Fastball
Goal:
A 2-seam fastball is be thrown at or close to maximum velocity while providing added movement
Grip:
Index and Middle Fingers going with the seams, thumb underneath
Hand Action:
Still a fastball so all force is applied right through the middle of the ball creating backspin with a little extra pressure on the index finger
Predicted Movement:
Ball should run in and possibly down to the pitcher’s respective pitching arm side
How To Grip It...
The 2-Seam fastball is a pitch thrown much like the 4-seam but with different finger placement and with a different function. It is called a “2-seam” because when thrown, the pitch only has 2 seams cutting through the air towards the target. This allegedly causes the ball to move more but also a hair slower.
I say “allegedly” because some pitchers throw their 2-seamer a couple miles per hour slower than their 4-seamer but many throw both pitches just as hard. The index and middle fingers are now placed in line with the seams with the thumb, again, being placed underneath.
How To Throw It...
1. Properly place the fingers with the seams.
2. Put slightly more pressure on the index finger.
3. Exaggerate pronation at release.
4. Maintain a good arm slot; not too high, not too low.
To get this pitch to be effective and run the way it’s supposed to, you should place slightly more pressure on the index finger than the middle finger. It should be noted that length of fingers and overall hand size can play a role in how much the ball may move, to some degree. By placing more of the pressure on the index finger, it will naturally cause the ball to move in the direction of the pitching arm side at the release point and subsequently towards the plate, creating the “running” movement.
The wrist naturally pronates through release. Try to exaggerate pronation on this pitch and you're more likely to execute it with great movement.
Also, keep in mind that arm slot plays a role in amount of movement on this pitch. The lower one's arm slot the more the ball is likely to run.
Out of all the baseball pitching grips, fastball grips are the easiest to master and be consistent with. This can be a very easy pitch to learn because it isn’t thrown much different than the 4-seam.
Other than adding a little pressure on the index finger, finger placement is the only real difference between the two. There are no real structural changes in wrist or hand action (although eventually you can try to overemphasize the pronation of the wrist), so this pitch can be taught at the same time a 4-seamer is taught…very early on. Remember, baseball pitching grips are very important so be sure to give them the practice they deserve.
Return from 2 Seam Fastball to Pitching Grips
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