12-6 curve question

[Oasis]

When throwing a 12-6, should you throw it like a fastball, until nearly just before releasing, then turning you wrist? What I do is I reach back just like I would a fastball, then turn my hand while coming to the batter until I'm in position to throw it. I achieve this when my arm is around my head, then I just bring it "down" and snap my wrist. The reason why I ask is, can hitters pick up on it if I show it that early, or should I show fastball until absolutely necessary? I throw all my pitches from the same angle (completely over the top), but I'm slightly concerned that hitters will pick up on the way I'm throwing it. Thanks.

[CanadianKid]

Here's Barry Zito:

[Ricky]

I saw Barry throw a bullpen session at yankee stadium, and he does sort of tip his curve....


I throw mine mostly in my hand...the way I hold it I can get spin by moving fingers rather than my wrist....

Best way to figure out what is best is to look at a clip of your fastball and curve side by side at full speed and slow-motion to compare....

[Oasis]

Heh, thanks Canadian. That makes me feel a little better about it. I don't have the proper equitment to do that Rick, or I would. Is there any slow motion video of, say Oswalt or Wainwright that I could look at? I'm curious to see how they throw theirs.

[CanadianKid]

I don't have a video clip, but I'll search. Here's a pic of Oswalt, he uses the knucklecurve grip:

[CanadianKid]

I found a clip of Oswalt and Wainright, but I'm not sure if it will help. Here they are anyways.

http://www.letstalkpitching.com/images/wainwright-curve-freezes-beltran.gif

[CanadianKid]

Here's Zito in the bullpen throwing a curve.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IKtozUbF3HQ&mode=related&search=

[Oasis]

Here's Zito in the bullpen throwing a curve.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IKtozUbF3HQ&mode=related&search=

Thanks a bunch man. That Zito video was very helpful.

[scorekeeper]

Thanks a bunch man. That Zito video was very helpful.

Please explain how that particular vid clip was so helpful?

[Oasis]

Please explain how that particular vid clip was so helpful?

Pausing it, being patient, and having a good eye.

[scorekeeper]

Pausing it, being patient, and having a good eye.

I’m not saying this is the case, but how do you know that that 1 example was a “good” pitch for him? Maybe it was a crappy delivery or mechanics, and you’re thinking it was a great one.

Actually, I wouldn’t know if it was a great example or a poor one, but I know for sure I’d never take one example of something and take it as the template for anything. Without seeing the entire pitch, you don’t know whether it was a 58 footer, a big hangin’ spinner, or a beautiful 12/6’r that dropped in at the bottom of the zone at the front of the plate.

All I’m saying is, you need to look at more examples of the same guy to be able to make a good judgment. But more importantly, unless some is pretty much physically and mechanically exactly the same as the person they’re looking at, they really shouldn’t try to copy them.

IMHO, its fine to get some general ideas about how to go about doing something like throwing a curve, but if you’re a 5’10”/225# RHP, its not very likely that Zito’s style or mechanics will work for you. Don’t be afraid to develop your own style. You never know, it might be better! ;)

Good luck!

[XV84]

Check out this thread: http://baseball-fever.com/showthread.php?t=65126&highlight=curve