4 Seam Fastball
How To Master the 4 Seam Fastball
Goal:
A 4-seam fastball is to be thrown with maximum velocity and a grip that allows a truer and straighter flight path to the plate, helping to ensure maximum accuracy
Grip:
Index and Middle fingers placed either on the “C” or “backwards C” across the seams, with the thumb placed underneath
Hand Action:
All force is applied through the middle of the ball towards the target with the fingers creating backspin upon release
Predicted Movement:
Very little movement by design. The intent is for this pitch to go straight where we want it to as fast as possible.
How To Grip It...
The 4-seam fastball is the most typically used by not only pitchers but all position players as well. That’s because it’s the most likely to go the straightest and fastest. It is thrown with backspin. Technically it’s because it has “4 seams” fighting thru the wind, making it easier to go straighter and faster to the target.
Look for the “C” shape of the seam (either a backwards C or regular C) and place the last 1/3 (not just the fingertip) of your index finger and middle finger across the top seam of the “C.” Your thumb is placed underneath. Make sure that after the fingers are placed around the ball that the thumb is placed directly in-line with the gap between the index and middle fingers.
How To Throw It...
At release the ball comes off of the fingertips of the index/fingers and causes backspin. It's important for a pitcher always to consciously think about staying "behind the ball," meaning to apply all the force of your throw through the middle of the baseball, all the way through the release.
Improper placement of the fingers will place force slightly on either side causing improper rotation and thus decreasing the speed. Remember...
Proper Rotation = Maximum velocity and accuracy Return from 4 Seam Fastball to Pitching Grips
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