Posted by: JTW (jtwelborn@triad.rr.com) on Mon Nov 12 22:13:22 2007

> What is the best way to approach a curve ball seems like alot of JV high schools kids have alot of problems facing a curve ball.could someone give a insight on whats the best way to approach this. thanks


Hi Bill,

Anticipate when its coming by studying the pitcher’s (and pitch caller’s) patterns early in the game. Move up in the box to put your contact zone closer to the pitcher to get it in its earlier stages of breaking. Learn to recognize the release and spin. All of this takes lots of practice and experience.

One of the most important skills to learn in mastering hitting the curve ball is opposite field hitting (for the righty facing the righty). The baseball curve ball breaks down and away. The fastpitch curve ball breaks more away and less down. Both are more effectively hit to the opposite field if they break to the outside part of the plate. Young players like to pull everything and thus easily fall victim to the curve ball.

A good rule for hitters is as follows: Think fast, adjust slow; think high, adjust low; think inside, adjust outside.

Look for breaking pitches to not break as much later in the game. When the pitch count is up, fatigue becomes a factor with any pitcher. The fine control required for breaking pitches usually begins to deteriorate well before speed suffers visibly.

JTW