This is the standard grip for a straight fastball with maximum velocity or throwing from the field. With the seams horizontal, place your index and middle fingers with their pads on the top seam and the lower part of your fingers touching the bottom seam.
Basic Grip - Split Fingered Fastball
Although it is called a fastball, the split-finger pitch is a good off-speed pitch for beginners; and, can be learned to have increased sinking action for all levels. The middle of your index and middle fingers (blue, green) should lie lengthwise on the seams as they get wider. The pads of your fingers should rest just over the widest part of the seam. Throw with normal arm action.
Basic Grip - Two Seam Fastball
The pads of your index (blue) and middle (green) should be placed lengthwise on the seams along their narrow alignment. Throw the pitch with normal arm action. However, you can place more pressure on your index finger to get a (backdoor) tail on the pitch. A two seam fastball is often slightly slower than a four seam, but should have increased movement.
Intermediate Grip - Cirlcle Change
Make an "OK" circle with your thumb and index finger (purple and blue). Place your middle finger on the inner seam (lengthwise in green) and your ring finger on the outer seam (lengthwise in orange). Your pinky will rest on the outer side of the ball (red). It will take some time to get the feel of this off-speed pitch, but throw it with normal arm action.
Intermediate Grip - Kunckle Curve
Place the fingernail of your index finger in the middle of the lace (blue; on the left of the seam with the seams in a narrow horizontal alignment). Place your middle finger along the vertical seam (green). Suited for less shoulder and elbow wear than other curveballs, keep your arm action the same, but rotate your thumb over the top and your middle finger down as you release the pitch.
