Throwing A Cutter In Baseball: The Definitive Guide

When it comes to throwing a cutter, there is nothing cumbersome about the job. In fact, you can nail it perfectly with some practice. Some people might find it challenging but if you master it, you can be very good at it. If you have recently enrolled into baseball or got your kid involved, here is some useful information on this interesting technique. You can read a lot more about it in depth on the internet; many basic rules in baseball section mention this and cover the topic in depth.

Photo Credit: http://www.sportsonearth.com/article/88249076/overhand-curveball-evolution-mlb-history-of-the-gam_1

Pitcher and Cutter

A pitcher’s role is to work through the throwing techniques of the pitches. For instance, they need to work through different pitches, and fastball is one of the most important of them all. Fastball is further divided under different styles and a cutter is one of them, also known as the cut fastball. It is nothing but a way to throw a cutter, which could be a perfect trick to nail it for their team. A successful pitcher if nails this trick, surely their team holds an upper edge. Of course, working on the cutter movement is a prime requirement, something that needs time and finesse over the course of time.

Photo Credit: http://baseballsolution.com/throw-knuckleball-methods/

Grip and Pitch Formula

Experts have suggested over the course of time that the perfect way to get the cutter technique right is to learn how to release the pitch and of course how to get the grip.

See also  Baseball Pitches Various Types

Step 1

The first step among all steps is the get the gripping right. People rely on different grips to throw at different type of pitches. However, it is suggested that you hold the ball in a way that your middle fingers are in a perpendicular shape against the end point of the steam and of course the index finger to stand out. Make sure the middle finger is a bit closer to the seam.

Step 2

Another vital thing about baseball is to hold the ball from the bottom using your thumbs. Positioning of the thumb is very important especially when you have to throw a cutter. This technique or tip is specifically incorporated to get the desired balance, and the ring finger can support this process by gaining additional balance.

Step 3

Another thing you need to work upon is a pitch delivery, which helps throw the ball in a normal like range. Speed is vital, where you opt for a usual fastball or something lesser than that. You need to press the ball along with your middle finger and doing so use the side swing motion. This will help the pitcher in a way that the ball will device the hitter in a way that it would swing away from them.

See also  Baserunning: Fundamentals of making the turn at first

Step 4

While you work on other aspects of the baseball, you should watch the manner of release as well. Especially to get the cutter right, you should release the ball well. If you are not a pro in this technique, you should work on it and start by perfecting the releasing. You can incorporate different degrees of pressure, by combining both middle and index finger or either of them. You should watch your speed, if you have a good speed; make sure you maintain it because stability here is vital. Surely, all this requires heavy practice and only then can you develop your personalized throwing a cutter style.

Photo Credit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqgWsva4n_w

Undisputed Kind of Cutter

When it comes to speaking about a cutter, it is hard to miss the king of this technique; Mariano. He has the technique to confuse the hitter in a manner that there would be no time for the hitter to interpret what is happening. Of course to become like him a player needs to invest enough time and practice towards it, but over the course of time, with great diligence, you can get the best of it and be if not as good as him, at least close to his game.

See also  Running to First Base

Conclusion

Throwing a cutter is definitely not amongst the easiest of techniques, it requires some mastering. Throughout the process, especially during the tryout drills in baseball, you must keep a few important tips in mind for better performance and to keep up your game.

About The Author