The pitch’s magnus force still isn’t that large, but it is large enough for the pitch to be affected and to move more. For it to move more, it loses some velocity compared to a four seam, but the movement is a big payoff. Out of all the baseball pitching grips, fastball grips are the easiest to master and be consistent with. This can be a very easy pitch to learn because it isn’t thrown much different than the four seam fastball. I say “allegedly” because some pitchers throw their two seamer a couple miles per hour slower than their two seamer but many throw both pitches just as hard.
Two-seam fastballs will be gripped and thrown so that they will gain more rotation than four-seamers. The movement comes on the ball by applying slight pressure with the fingers located on the inner or outer part of the seam. This pressure will cause the ball to rotate more, tricking the batter. In this case, you will hold the ball so that the seams form a “U”.
The spin rate of a 4 seam fastball is measured in rotations per minute in Major League Baseball. The velocity of a 4 seam fastball is measured in miles per hours in Major League Baseball. As of 2018, the average velocity of a Major League Baseball pitcher was 92.8 mph. Though both are delivered at a quick velocity, the 4 seam is much faster.
There is no uniform timeline on when to teach a pitcher a 2 seam grip; however, when a pitcher seems to have no issues throwing a 4 seam, it might be time to try and teach him a 2 seam. Young pitchers with naturally lower arm slots may also be more apt to learn how to throw a 2 seam at a young age because it works better with the way they throw the ball. As stated earlier, 2 seam fastballs typically move to the pitcher’s arm side. Movement is great for pitchers – as long as they can control it. If a pitcher wants to generate more movement on his fastball, then a 2 seam is the way to go.
This creates a lot of swings and misses as hitters often swing underneath 4 seamers with high spin rates. Yes, a fastball that is both thrown hard and has movement is ideal, but even the most successful pitchers at the highest level of baseball have to best soft toss machine choose one or the other. It is called a 2 seam because when it is thrown, two of its seams are spinning against the air. This makes the ball less aerodynamic and causes it to move (usually to the pitcher’s arm side) based on the spin-axis of the ball.
If you’re looking to add some extra movement to your 2 seam fastball, it’s a good idea to realize that a different approach will be had when compared to a 4 seam fastball. Because a 4 seam fastball has no movement, the pressure on each finger before the throw applied to the baseball will be equal. Knowing when to throw a 2 seam fastball compared to a 4 seam fastball is an important skill to harness. If you are behind in the count, it might not be wise to throw this type of pitch as it may “run away” from the strike zone. Not much more is needed to throw this type of pitch besides emphasizing strong backspin, so a looser grip will help maximize the whip off of your fingers. Knowing when to throw a proper pitch when the game is on the line is something a pitcher must master.
Knowing when to throw a 4 seam fastball versus a 2 seam fastball can be the difference between a strikeout, ball, or a base hit (or more!). There are a few different reasons why a pitcher would prefer one over the other, but the differences are pretty critical when it comes down to pitch decisions at game time. The movements of a baseball rely on the seams as they travel through the air. Take a look at the picture below to get a good understanding of each fastballs movement as it crosses the plate. One of the most common misconceptions in baseball is that playing baseball regularly keeps you in shape for a great pitch. However, a great pitch comes from a good grip on the baseball.
Faster than a slider but with more movement than a fastball. Here are some pictures of different two seam fastball grips… It provides the foundation for everything else he does on the mound. It doesn’t matter if a pitcher’s fastball maxes out in the low-80s or hits triple digits – the ability to throw it for strikes is the key to success. However, as with all off-speed pitches, the arm speed and mechanics of your pitching delivery have to be the same as your fastball. The four-seam fastball grip has been a part of baseball for as long as baseball has existed.