Content

• Steps

In baseball, a sinker throw is a throw in which the ball falls as soon as it reaches the base, preventing the batter from fully playing. During this throw, the ball falls more sharply than an ordinary fast ball, but at the same time it moves no less quickly. Therefore, this throw serves as an excellent addition to the skillful pitcher's repertoire. To throw, your fingers should keep the ball parallel to the seams on the ball and your thumb should be on the bottom. You need to try out slightly different finger positions to find the one that gives you the best throwing path.

Steps

1. 1 Place your fingers parallel to the seams on the ball. Rotate the ball so that your index and middle fingers are parallel to the seams where they run closest to each other. Your fingers should lie directly over the seams, parallel to them. The ring and pinky fingers should be bent down.
   • Try an alternate grip. Instead of placing your fingers on the seams where they are close together, move your fingers higher to the horseshoe-shaped section of the seam. For some pitchers, this grip is more comfortable.
2. 2 Place your thumb under the ball. The thumb should support the underside of the ball on a smooth, seamless area of ​​the ball. You should wrap the side of your thumb around the ball to keep it from popping out of your hand.
3. 3 Squeeze the ball. For a more secure grip, your fingertips should be inwardly close to the seam line. The thumb should press the bottom of the ball well towards the tips of the other fingers.
4. 4 Launch the ball. During the throw, the middle finger should be aimed at the striker. The thumb will continue to apply some pressure on the ball as it is thrown. Releasing the ball is the same as releasing a four-seam quick ball and the opposite of a twisted ball.
5. 5 Practice ball control. Sinker is somewhat more difficult to master than a quick four-seam ball. Releasing the ball from a double seam grab gives the ball more dynamics than otherwise. In addition, the grip is somewhat looser than a standard quick throw.
   • For this reason, it is important to practice sinker serve until you have mastered all its nuances, and only then you should start using it in the game.
6. 6 Understand what the kicker sees in front of you. Sinker is easier to follow with your eyes as it looks like a perfect double-seam shot towards the base. Unlike a twisted ball, it is not so difficult to keep track of, which often allows the batter to make good eye contact with the ball.However, due to the sharp fall of the ball, the bat often slips off or misses the ball without making full contact.