The Slider
Good Fastball ……Check
Fearless Competitor……Check
The Ability to Attack Hitters……Check
Good feel for the curveball…….Ummmmm
The first three are a foundation for the makeup of a solid pitcher. The fourth item on the list can separate great pitchers from the rest of the pack. A sharp breaking ball that is paired with a good fastball is a great combination of changing speeds and movements for a pitcher. Guaranteed to put the odds in your favor.
The Slider
Because the Curveball is NOT for You
However, if you also answered ‘Ummmmmm’ to the question about the curveball, then maybe Uncle Charlie isn’t the best fit for you. Perhaps, you haven’t figured this out yet about yourself. Or even worse, coaches keep insisting that you find the curveball. In all seriousness, “If it hasn’t worked, it’s not going to work!” It’s time to move on to a more viable option.
Naturally, the pitchers who thrive the most with a Slider are the ones who can answer CHECK to the first three items. How so? Simply put, the curveball is just not for everyone. Hard throwers, with an aggressive, rear back and fire mentality have a hard time changing speeds, and tend to over throw the curveball. This is self destructive for a pitcher, in more ways that I want to share. It’s just too delicate of a pitch for many to waste their time trying to get a feel for the curve. Just because everyone else is doing it, doesn’t mean that it is for you…
The Slider
Who Gets It?
On the other hand, the Slider is better suited for the hard throwers, with aggressive mentalities. This combo allows this type of pitcher to pick up on the Dominant Pitch rather quickly. That’s when rapid progression occurs. An unhittable weapon in the arsenal always speeds up success. Believe it!
The mere difference from fastball to Slider, is the hand angle on the release point. That’s about it! The Slider is thrown with the same mentality until the release. Once you are comfortable enough with the Slider, you don’t have to think about it. Just execute it naturally. Similar to the fastball.
After years of searching and testing, many proven Major League pitchers who find success with the Slider, will simply say…. It just fits
…and when it fits for you, look out Baseball World!
Keep Dominating!!!
About The Author
Brad Kirsch is the Owner/Creator of Slider Domination. He is a former professional pitcher who blogs about all things Pitching. Brad has also authored the AudioBook, 7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider. If you haven’t done so already, you can Download the AudioBook Here
