By keeping this pitch at the knees and lower, you can make it almost impossible to hit for distance. Add the dimension of a sharp lateral break accompanied by a downward bite and you have a devil of a pitch. Keeping the ball low increases its velocity by as much as 3 mph. Pronation of hand with the index finger coming down on the inside of the ball, turning the ball over. Good hand speed, with an acceleration at the release point.ĥ. A tight hard spin provides the bite (sharpness of break) to the ball.Ĥ. Spin is mainly in the 8 to 2 direction approaching 9 to 3.ģ. Three-quarter or three-quarter minus is the preferred arm slot, though some pitchers can throw it with a higher (three-quarter plus) arm slot.Ģ. Qualities and requirements of the power sinker would include:ġ. It is a low pitch, but because it is thrown extremely hard (90's mph), it can be both a ground-ball and strikeout pitch. Kevin Brown of the Dodgers is the prototype power-sinker pitcher. Unfortunately, few pitchers can throw it effectively. It seriously fragments the frequency of home runs. The hard or power sinker is a marvelous pitch. The artistry lies in making use of gravity, getting a good rotation, and mastering stride length. The power sinker is a great low-pitching option for anyone who can master it. The lower strike zone has truly stimulated the development of this pitch. Since umpires have reduced the high strike to a nonentity, "everything low" becomes an extremely viable style of pitching. For whatever the reason (tighter wound balls, shorter fences, fewer developed four-seam fastballs, tighter strike zones, and souped-up bats), one has to pitch low in order to be effective.ĭelivering a four-seam fastball high and without a lot of action can be dangerous. Keeping the batters from hitting the long ball is a form of survival pitching. Double plays (the essence of defensive efficiency) are the precious gifts of the low-ball pitcher. Gravity adds to both the velocity and movement of the pitch.Ħ. The action on the ball (veer and sink) is heightened when the pitch is low.ĥ. The low ball is more likely to be hit on the ground and less likely to be hit for distance.Ĥ. On a high pitch, the batter will see the whole ball.ģ. The hitter can see only the top half of the ball. Most low fastballs are 1-2 mph faster than the pitcher's high fastball cousins. Most pitchers will achieve greater success by keeping the ball in the lower part or even just out of the strike zone.ġ. The classic example will be the power pitchers (like Nolan Ryan) who can retain their velocity and continue pitching upstairs as they age. IF THERE IS ANYTHING I AM certain about in pitching, it is that the farther up in the game you go, the more successful you can be by keeping your pitches low. MLA style: "Keep the Pitch Low." The Free Library.
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