A good fastball will bring more recognition to a pitcher than curveballs, change-ups and other assorted pitches. This should be the first pitch mastered. A fastball can be thrown so that when it is released, four seams rotate as the ball leaves the hand. This is called a four-seam fastball and is, in my opinion, the best one to throw for beginning pitchers. A fastball can also be thrown so that two seams rotate upon release. A four-seam fastball is usually a bit faster and easier to control than a two-seam fastball. Two-seam fastballs, on the other hand, tend to have more movement and are thus harder to hit.

Young pitchers with relatively small hands should begin by throwing a fastball with three fingers on top of the ball and across the seams. When the hand is large enough for two fingers, the pads of the index finger and middle finger should be in contact with the seams. The thumb should be under the ball close to the point where it splits the top two fingers.

While we hear a lot of controversy about young pitchers throwing curve balls, I’ve seen more young players injured throwing fastballs. Pitchers (and other players for that matter) need to stretch their arms before pitching and warming up should be done gradually. Too often we see a young pitcher come in from another position in relief without warming up on the side. For a lot of kids, this can be dangerous. I’ve told coaches on occasion  that my son isn’t allowed to pitch until he has thrown at least 25 pitches on the side. No single youth game is worth the risk of arm injury.

A fastball should also always be thrown with a sense of control. Rearing back and trying to throw as hard as possible without thinking about mechanics is throwing out of control and can lead to injury. In addition, throwing too many pitches can lead to injury. This may well be the leading cause of injury to young pitchers. With respect to soreness, pitchers at the high school level generally throw when their arms are stiff or a little sore. At younger levels, however, I wouldn’t let a pitcher throw unless he is 100%. Furthermore, soreness in the shoulder is usually more serious than soreness in the elbow. If arm soreness is a continuing problem, see a doctor. Therapy (much of which can be done at home) not only can lead to fast healing but can strengthened an arm as well. One of my sons continues the shoulder exercises (which involve hand weights) for arm strength even though it has been years since he hurt his shoulder.

An aside: Don’t let kids throw batting practice without an L-screen. Too many coaches let kids throw batting practice. The idea is that the hitters will get better by facing pitchers their own size. This may be true but poses a danger to the pitcher. Instead of actually pitching to the hitter, he often is told to lay it in there so the batter can hit it. It’s just a matter of time before the pitcher gets hit by a shot back at him.