How to Throw the 2 Seamer

The 2 seamer is a little slower than the 4 seam fastball but has considerably more movement.

When to throw the 2 seamer:

The two seam fastball has more movement then the fastball so you won't be quite as accurate with it. For this reason, it is often used on a breaking ball count to confuse the batter. It is also used to throw inside to a batter since the ball will tend to tail toward the inside of the plate.

How to grip the 2 seamer:

Always remember, the thumb and middle finger should split the baseball in half regardless of the type of pitch. Place your thumb on the seam at the bottom of the ball with your middle and index fingers lying with the seams on the top of the ball. Refer to the image above. The ball will be a little further toward the back of your hand then the 4 seamer which will result in a loss of 1-3 mph on the pitch.

How to throw the 2 seamer:

Keep the same arm slot that you use for all of your pitches. As you pull the ball from your glove, the ball should face away from you and toward shortstop. As you move towards the release point, keep your fingers squarely behind the ball making sure not to turn your wrist at an angle, The ball should release from your fingers with backward rotation. Refer to the video