What is a Sinker Pitch in Baseball and How to Throw a Sinker
A sinker pitch, also known as a sinkerball, is a type of fastball in baseball that is thrown with a downward motion, causing the ball to drop suddenly as it approaches the plate. This downward movement makes it difficult for batters to hit the ball squarely, resulting in a high number of ground balls.
How to Throw a Sinker
- Grip: Hold the ball with your thumb on top and your fingers spread evenly around the sides. Place your index finger slightly behind the horseshoe seam.
- Arm Action: Keep your arm straight and extend your elbow.
- Release Point: Release the ball slightly below your normal overhand release point.
- Pronation: As you release the ball, pronate your wrist (turn your palm inward) to impart downward spin.
- Follow-Through: Continue the follow-through until your arm is extended fully.
Tips for Throwing a Sinker
- Focus on keeping your arm straight and your wrist pronated throughout the pitching motion.
- Practice regularly to develop the necessary arm strength and control.
- Experiment with different release points to find the one that produces the most downward movement.
FAQ
- What is the purpose of a sinker pitch? To generate ground balls and induce weak contact.
- Who throws sinker pitches? Typically power pitchers with good control.
- How fast is a typical sinker pitch? Around 90-95 mph.
- What is the difference between a sinker and a two-seam fastball? Sinkers have more downward movement and a lower spin rate.
- Why do sinker pitchers often get a lot of ground ball outs? Ground balls are difficult to field cleanly, leading to errors and slow-rolling hits.
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