How to Throw a Gyroball: 15 Steps
A gyroball is a unique and deceptive pitch in baseball that can leave batters bewildered. Made popular by Japanese pitchers, the gyroball has a mysterious reputation, but may be simpler than many think. Here are 15 steps to help you throw a gyroball:
1. Start with the right grip: Hold the baseball so that your middle and ring finger lay on top of the seams, while your thumb is beneath the ball.
2. Apply pressure: Make sure you apply pressure on the ball with your middle and ring fingers.
3. Prepare your wrist: Position your wrist so that it’s straight and perpendicular to the ground.
4. Keep a relaxed arm: Maintain a relaxed arm throughout the pitching motion to avoid unnecessary strain on your ligaments.
5. Take firm footing on the rubber: Secure a strong stance before beginning your windup.
6. Engage in a proper windup: The windup helps generate momentum for the delivery, so make sure not to rush through it.
7. Stride forward during delivery: As you move through your delivery, take an aggressive stride towards home plate using your lead foot.
8. Bring your arm down: When moving towards release, bring your throwing arm down and around in a circular motion, like the hands of a clock.
9. Spin the ball outwards upon release: At release point, your fingers should roll away from you as they spin off the outside of the ball.
10. Pronate your forearm and wrist: Allow both to turn naturally as you follow through with your pitch.
11. Use consistent release point: A consistent release point, like with all pitches, ensures maximal control over speed and direction.
12. Maintain normal fastball mechanics: Keep similar mechanics to that of throwing a fastball; this will keep hitters guessing until they see the ball’s unprecedented movement.
13. Mix it up: Don’t lean too heavily on throwing the gyroball, as hitters will adapt. Use it to complement your other pitches.
14. Perfect the timing: Keep practicing until you can control the speed and movement of the gyroball.
15. Study the pitch: Watch videos of players who throw gyroballs and learn by studying their mechanics, release point, and spin.
With determination and proper technique, you can add a gyroball to your arsenal of pitches and keep batters guessing. Though the gyroball is known for its mystique and elusiveness, mastering these 15 steps will put you well on your way to perplexing opponents with this unique pitch.