4 Seam vs 2 Seam Fastball

That jumped to 11.1% in June, 11.7% in July, 14.3% in August, and 13.1% in September. Not only has it spread within the Seattle clubhouse, but it’s back in fashion among other major leaguers. “I needed to try something different,” Ray told theScore last week. Remember, it is important to develop your fastball early and often.

At the same time the ball has some slight dropping action. Throwing with the two seam fastball gripis no different than the 4 seam fastball pitch. You should throw a four-seam fastball when you need speed and accuracy on the pitch and when behind the count, and a strike can’t be lost. Two-seam fastballs should be thrown when ahead of the count and to trick the batter with unpredictable movement. If you practice the 2 seam fastball, you’ll know when to throw this type of pitch over a 4 seam.

For instance, when a pitcher needs a safe, accurate pitch, a 4 seam fastball is the go-to pitch. As the ball follows the straight line, it will become harder for the batter to face it. There are a few different ways to grip a 2 seam fastball. The answer to this question really depends upon who you are asking.

This enhanced version of the two-seam fastball has been termed “Laminar Express” by MLB pitcher Trevor Bauer. The laminar express is unique in that its behavior depends both on the axis of rotation AND the orientation of the ball. Smith says Bauer and others have had success in the major leagues using this pitch. To get this how to throw 2 seam fastball pitch to be effective and run the way it’s supposed to, you should place slightly more pressure on the index finger than the middle finger. It should be noted that length of fingers and overall hand size can play a role in how much the ball may move, to some degree. The four-seam fastball is the more basic of the two grips.

Unlike the four-seam, which is held across the seams, the two-seam fastball is held with the seams. For both grips, it’s important to have your fingertips rest on the stitches, not on the slick part of the ball. Holding the stitches enables you to pull on the ball, creating friction and backspin.