Sinking the baseball is a skill that many baseball pitchers aim to master. One way to achieve this is by learning how to throw a sinker.
In this article, we will explore how to throw a sinker, including finding the right grip, pitching position, and releasing the ball, as well as other tips and reasons why a sinker sinks. Additionally, we will compare the sinker to other pitches, such as the 2-seam and slider.
Finding the Right Sinker Baseball Grip
The first step in throwing a sinker is finding the right grip. The sinker grip involves placing the middle and index fingers on the seams of the baseball.
The thumb should rest underneath the ball, slightly off-center. To ensure a tight grip, the pitcher should rotate their wrist slightly inward, creating a slight pressure between the index and middle fingers.
This grip will help the pitcher throw a sinker, as the rotation of the baseball will react with the air, causing it to sink.
Pitching Position and Wind Up
Once the pitcher has the correct grip, they must move on to the pitching position and wind up. The pitcher should be standing with their feet shoulder-width apart and their toes facing the home plate.
Their back foot should be parallel to the rubber. The wind-up should be smooth, with the pitcher bringing their arms back and up over their head.
This ensures they will have appropriate momentum as they drive forward to deliver the pitch.
Releasing the Ball
The release of the ball is a critical aspect of throwing a sinker. The pitcher must release the ball with a downward motion, as this will cause the ball to sink as it travels towards the batter.
The pitcher should aim at releasing the ball slightly earlier than other pitches, as a late release can cause the ball to rise instead of sink. Additionally, the pitcher should focus on throwing the ball lower in the strike zone, as this will be challenging for the batter to hit and easier for the fielders to make a play.
Other Sinker Tips
When throwing a sinker, it is essential to keep the arm angle and release point consistent. This will ensure the ball has a consistent sink, making it challenging for the batter to make solid contact.
It is also essential to mix up pitches to keep batters guessing, even if the sinker is the pitcher’s go-to pitch. Switching between a sinker, fastball, and changeup can be useful in keeping the hitters off-balance.
Reasons Why a Sinker Sinks
A sinker sinks due to the way the ball is gripped and released, causing the spin to react with the air and create a downward force. Additionally, the sinker grip causes the ball to be thrown at a lower velocity, causing it to drop at a steeper angle than a standard fastball.
Sinker vs 2-Seam and Sinker vs Slider
Comparing the sinker to other pitches, the 2-seam fastball is a pitch that also has slight sink due to its grip. However, the 2-seam grip involves placing the index and middle fingers closer together, creating more movement to the pitch’s side.
In contrast, the slider is a breaking ball that moves laterally instead of vertically like the sinker. The slider is a challenging pitch to control, and a poorly executed slider can result in a hanging pitch for the batter to hit.
In conclusion, throwing a sinker requires a specific grip, pitching position, and release point resulting in a downward movement. Mixing up pitches is essential to keeping hitters off-balance.
Comparing the sinker to other pitches such as the 2-seam fastball and slider shows the unique characteristics of the sinker pitch. By mastering the art of the sinker, pitchers can become dominant forces on the mound.
A sinker is a pitch thrown in baseball that has a downward movement resulting from the spin on the ball. It is called a sinker because the ball sinks once it reaches the plate.
Here are more answers to frequently asked questions about the sinker pitch. Why is it called a Sinker Pitch?
The sinker pitch got its name from the downward movement of the pitch. As the pitcher releases the ball, it causes it to rotate in a specific manner, which interacts with the air and creates a downward force.
When the ball reaches the batter, it creates a sinking effect, causing it to drop as it travels to the plate. This motion of the pitch gave it the name “sinker pitch.”
Is a Sinker Hard to Throw?
Like any pitch in baseball, throwing a sinker requires skill, practice, and repetition to perfect. While some pitchers may find it difficult to throw a sinker due to the specific grip and release required, others may find it easier to master.
It all depends on the individual pitcher’s style and experience level. Generally, the downward movement of the pitch adds difficulty, but it can also be a significant advantage when executed correctly.
Who is the Best Sinker in Baseball? Several pitchers have made the sinker their bread-and-butter pitch, making it difficult for hitters to get solid contact.
Some of the best sinker ball pitchers of all time include Derek Lowe, Roy Halladay, and Brandon Webb. However, current MLB sinker ball specialists include Zack Greinke and Dallas Keuchel, to name a few.
How do you Grip a Sinker? To grip a sinker correctly, place the middle and index fingers on the seam of the baseball.
Put your thumb on the bottom of the ball, just below the seam, and ensure that it is slightly off-center to create equal downward pressure. The grip allows for a tight hold, where the rotation of the ball and the pitcher’s release cause it to spin with a downward force, sinking towards the batter.
Why is it Hard to Hit a Sinker? Hitting a sinker is tough because of the movement the pitch creates.
A hitter’s reaction time to the ball is shortened because of the sinking motion. They must swing to connect with the ball, which requires a well-timed swing and accuracy.
Also, a well-executed sinker has a relatively low velocity compared to other pitches, making it challenging to hit with power. When to Throw a Sinker Pitch?
A sinker pitch is beneficial in situations where the pitcher wants to induce a ground ball out. It is a great option when the pitcher needs to get a batter out quickly or when they have a runner in scoring position.
It is also effective when there are multiple runners on base, as the sinking pitch can cause the batter to hit into a double play. However, the context of the game and the specific strengths of each pitcher should be considered before utilizing the pitch.
What are the Characteristics of a Perfect Sinker? A perfect sinker is one with a tight grip, a consistent release point, and a downward movement of six to eight inches.
The pitch should be thrown with accuracy, at a lower velocity, and aimed low in the strike zone. Additionally, throwing the right sinker in the right situation is important in having success with the pitch.
What are the Advantages of a Sinker? One of the significant advantages of a sinker pitch is the potential for ground ball outs, as mentioned earlier.
The pitch is also excellent for inducing double plays and reducing the chances of extra-base hits. Another advantage is its lower velocity, which can keep the batter off-balance and force them to adjust their swing.
In conclusion, a sinker pitch can be a highly effective weapon in a pitcher’s arsenal when executed properly. The pitch’s specific grip and release make it challenging to hit, resulting in groundouts, double plays, and limiting extra-base hits.
Its characteristics and advantages make it a worthy pitch for any pitcher to master. In conclusion, the sinker pitch can be a game-changing weapon in a pitcher’s repertoire when executed correctly.
Its specific grip, release, and movement make it a challenging pitch for hitters to make solid contact with, resulting in lower velocity pitches and limiting extra-base hits. The advantages of the sinker pitch include its potential for ground ball outs, double plays, forcing hitters to adjust their swing, and reducing extra-base hits.
Commonly asked questions about the sinker include its definition, the difficulty of throwing it, who the best sinker pitcher is, and when to use the pitch. Others inquire about its grip, why it is hard to hit, the characteristics of a perfect sinker pitch, and the advantages of the sinker pitch to a pitcher’s arsenal.
Remember, mastering the sinker can set you apart as an effective pitcher who can keep the hitters off-balance and produce favorable outcomes.