I need a new out pitch...?

Question

My out pitch used to be a splitter, but my coach told me not to throw it anymore. I throw around 75 and I have pinpoint accuracy on my fastball. Sometimes I throw my curveball well, sometimes I don't. My changeup is meat; it's only about 5 mph slower than my fastball...Help! No knuckleball.

I throw a fastball, sinker, curve, and circle change.

Answer 1

Either improve your curveball so that you can throw it consistently for a strike or a waste pitch and/or work on your change up. If you can trow a 4 seam and two seam fastball for strikes...a good change (10mph slower) is a great out pitch as well as a first pitch on the front end of a lineup. You should be able to increase the differential through a tighter grip or more fingers on the ball..therefore more friction and a slower pitch. That way you can use the same delivery as your fastball and not have to alter your mechanics other than grip. I'm guessing you are...14-15 if you are throwing at 75, and I'm not infavor of too many curve balls at that stage. Very hard on your elbow joint

Answer 2

This is where you start becoming a pitcher instead of a thrower,if you have pinpoint accuracy as you say you should be able to chew up some batters use your changeup out of the hitting zone then carve up the plate with your fastball

Answer 3

If you're looking for a new pitch entirely, my preference is a slider. Unless you throw overarm, it's a solid pitch, and works well, although being a bit conventional. You throw in every other direction, so it's a good mix.

If you're looking for the effect of a splitter, a cutter would also be a good direction to look into. I would have mentionned a forkball, but it's thrown the same way as a splitter, but deeper, and I assume your coach wants you to keep your arm healthy.

So, my suggestions: slider or cutter.

Answer 4

Try a circle change. If you want to see how its done, watch Greg maddux. Also try using different pressures on your finger tips when throwing your fastball, it will give you late movement near the plate.

Answer 5

I would work hard on the splitter even though your coach doesnt tell you. It is a pitch that looks similar to the fastball and bottoms out. If oyu can achieve that oyu will be sick.

Answer 6

Try the screwball if your right handed. That works great for me. Just when the batter is leaning over the plate the screwball backs him up. The slider is a great pitch to try, but its tough on your arm if you throw it a lot.

Answer 7

work hard on the curveball. it will pay off. Also, try working on a sinker, that was always my out pitch.

Answer 8

try harder i know because i have a boy i like that is a baseball player on a team