Pitching: Getting a grip AGES 7-13

The first pitch your player/child should learn how to throw is a fastball.  There are two types of fastballs:

1. Two seam fastball-  Grip the ball allowing your index and middle finger to rest on the seams, thrown for movement.
2. Four-seam fastball-  Grip the ball with your two fingers across the horse shoe (four seams), thrown for power.

At a young age pitchers should generally start out with the four seam fastball.  This is because it will allow the player to develop solid power, fundamentals, and techniques without worrying so much about the movement of the ball.  As your child/player gets a little more experience and gets his/her fundamentals down pat, they can start to experiment with the two seam fastball putting movement on the ball.  No one fastball is better than the other, but one may fit the style better of two different pitchers.  For example:  A pitcher that does not throw real hard may take up the two seam fastball for movement and sinking action.