How to Throw a Curveball
Quick answer
A curveball is thrown with a spiked or standard curve grip and a karate-chop wrist action that puts topspin on the ball, making it drop. It should only be learned after a pitcher has a reliable fastball and changeup, with an emphasis on healthy mechanics rather than maximum break.
Make sure you’re ready first
A curveball is an advanced pitch. Before adding one, you should be able to throw a fastball and changeup for strikes on demand. Pitch Smart recommends developing that command first and adding breaking pitches only under supervision.
Pitch Smart Guidelines
Confirm your pitch limits and rest days before adding workload.
The grip
Place your middle finger along the outer edge of a seam and rest your index finger beside it (or spike it against the ball for a knuckle-curve, which many find easier on the wrist). Your thumb sits on the back seam. The ball should feel secure but not squeezed.
The release
Think "karate chop" straight down through the front of the ball, getting your hand to the outside so the fingers impart forward, top-to-bottom spin. Keep your arm speed the same as your fastball — the grip and hand position create the break, not extra effort.
The most important rule: never sacrifice healthy mechanics to get more break. A smooth, repeatable curve at 70% is far better than a violent one that hurts.
Common mistakes
- Snapping or twisting the wrist hard — this is where arm stress comes from
- Slowing the arm down, which tips the pitch to hitters
- Throwing it too often; a curve should complement the fastball, not replace it
About the author
The Baseball Tools Team
baseball.tools publishes free, plain-English baseball tools and guides for players, parents and coaches. Content is reviewed for accuracy against official sources and updated each season.