Purpose

This is an excellent drill to work on throwing a good curveball.   This drill is ONLY for players 14 and over.

Set Up

This drill can be run anywhere.   All the player needs is a ball.

Execution

Phase 1 – Spin the Ball  

Hold ball with two-finger curveball grip. Pull down with second finger and roll the thumb. Goal is to get a good snap and tight spin on the ball.

Phase 1 – Spin the ball using two fingers and your thumb.

Phase 2 – Karate Chop

Work on getting a good karate chop with side of hand into your opposite hand. Player makes the overhand curveball arm action.

Phase 2 – Make a karate chop arm action into your other hand.

Phase 3 – In the Dirt

Practice throwing a tight spin into the dirt at your feet. You can use wind-up or stretch. Shift weight back and then go forward and throw ball into the dirt.

Phase 3 – Throw the ball with a tight spin into the dirt.

Perform 20-25 repetitions of each phase.

Coaching Tips

  • The tighter the spin the better the curveball.
  • On phase 3, keep the elbow bent and finish all the way through.
  • Don’t hook the ball at the top of the “L” – this can telegraph the pitch to the hitter.