How to throw a split-finger fastball aka splitter

A splitter fastball (split-finger) is considered an advanced pitch and may take a bit of extra practice in order to learn how to do it properly. This type of pitch is usually best for those who have larger hands because the pitch itself needs to be tucked deep in your hand which may be hard to do if you have small hands. This is how the split-finger fastball gets the downward movement. Your middle fingers and index finger should be placed on the outside of the seam on the ball. Your grip should be very firm. When throwing the splitter pitch you will want to throw your palm side wrist of your throwing hand directly at the balls target while keeping your middle fingers and index remain upward. You should keep your wrist in a firm position during the pitching phase.

It’s recommended that you should always keep your thumb on the back of the seam of the ball and not the front seam which many players or pitchers make the mistake of doing. This puts the baseball out front which is a bit more than a fork ball. You should consider throwing the splitter fastball with a back spin similar to the two seam fastball. This however is just a tip and does not have to be done if you don’t want to.

Learning how to properly grip and throw a split-finger fastball may take a bit more time than other grips and pitches because of the complexity of it. You should practice with other pitchers who have already mastered the splitter fastball because they can help you to correct your mistakes. The more often you take time out to practice the quicker you will learn how to grip and throw properly.

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