How to Throw a 4-seam Fastball

A good fastball is the basis for a strong repertoire of pitches. There are different types of fastballs out there and 4-seam fastball is the most simple of them all. The 4-seam fastball have very little, if any movement on it. The 4-seam fastball needs to be located very well because it will not have that movement that many other pitches have. Once you have the grip down, work hard on locating the ball where you want it to go.

Step One: The Index and Middle Fingers

The grip of a 4-seam fastball is very simple. Find one of the horseshoes on the ball. With the closed end on the outside of the ball, your index finger and your middle finger will be on the seam on the closest side of the horseshoe. The tip of your index finger will be on the seam, while the first knuckle of your middle finger will be on the seam. These two fingers should not be touching each other, but should have a small amount of space in between.

Step Two: The Thumb, Ring, and Pinkie

The thumb will be located underneath the ball below where your top fingers are. The seam should be right about where the knuckle is on the thumb. The ring and pinkie finger are to the side of the ball pointing downward. The ball will not be all the way back in your hand. There will be about a fingers worth of space between the ball the rest of your hand.

Step Three: The Delivery

When throwing the fastball, just throw it like you would if you were simply playing catch. There is no need to snap your wrist or torque the ball in any way. The 4-seam fastball needs a simple throw so that it will be a straight pitch instead of a moving pitch. Follow through properly to make sure you get the maximum velocity out of your 4-seam fastball. Finally, remember to work on the location of your fastball to be as effective as possible.