Curveball: A pitch that is known for having great break, spin, and movement. A very difficult pitch to hit. Also, my FAVORITE pitch to throw, especially as a lefty.
Growing up in Orange, California I was known for throwing hard and jamming all righties as a lefty pitcher, with some up spin. I knew I could throw a curve, but I did not fully understand what my body was doing, how to throw it and how to fully use it to my advantage. But college is when I learned how to properly throw a curveball mechanically and visually. I have to give a HUGE thank you to my collegiate pitching coach, Jennifer Brundage, in my opinion, the BEST pitching coach around!
Before they start movement pitches a pitcher needs to MASTER a fastball with good mechanics and spotting locations. Once your pitcher masters a fastball there are many directions one can go. If your pitcher decides on a curveball, it is based off of a GREAT fastball.
Using the 14" ball and the Zipball will allow you to focus on creating the correct wrist positioning and spinning the ball with your fingertips. Try to master self-spins, as I demonstrate above, and then move on to throwing the 14" ball and Zipball to a catcher.
Use the frisbee toss to maintain proper positioning and keep your palm underneath the ball as you work on your curveball spin.
As I learned my curveball, it helped me to complete visualization exercises. Everyone's visualization process might be a little different, so try to explore different types of visualization and decide what works best for you. Below, I explain how my visualization process progressed throughout my collegiate and professional career.
As you continue to learn to perfect the spin and placement of your curveball, it's important to commit to the process and keep a positive mindset throughout. Remember, struggles and successes make you who you are. The way you respond to difficult situations not only shapes how you compete in the circle, but also how you perform in life.