The Two-Seamer Is NOT As Good As They Say.

[@DanBlewett]

Subscribe to my channel here! kzbin.info...

[@Davo2233]

Kershaw is a good example of someone who shouldn’t and doesn’t throw a 2 seamer due to his straight over the top arm slot.

[@jimmystrudel]

I wish I had easy access to coaching videos like this growing up. My two seam grip was actually closer to a changeup with my thumb placement. No wonder I never had much velocity on my fastball lol.

[@craigborgardt6396]

I had the same problem. My pickoff throws to 1st were harder/faster than to the plate. Drove my coach nuts. But he offered and had NO solutions. Kids today have so many advantages and that's great. That's progress....but oh, if we could go back in time!!

[@poopshoes7579]

The greatest wish should be don’t make young players primarily pitchers to avoid major elbow and shoulder injuries

[@davidconcepcion6602]

David concepcion yes I'm related to him.but I'm a 53 yrs old pitcher and your videos have help my pitching game.this pass summer I went 6-2 wins 86 strike outs 13 walks 2 hrs allowed era went from 5.49 to 3.15..ty u I'm one of most feared pitcher in my league ty .

[@Saul-pp2hp]

sLider=Left Sinker=Right Supination=like holding a bowl of soup Pronation=palm facing down

[@mr.ramjangles5165]

Very comprehensive! Long story short...I grew up liking baseball, but knew nothing about baseball. My son is almost little league age and LOVES baseball! That’s all he wants to do when I get home from work! Again, great stuff! Wish I had this as a kid! This stuff is technically sound!

[@Steven_sigala]

The two seamer was the first pitch I learned and have always loved it

[@slundgr]

Good explanation of the difference between the two-seam and four-seam and the difference between run and cut, and why.

[@DanBlewett]

Thank you Steve! Appreciate you watching.

[@californiamonkeytails8534]

So glad that I found this video few weeks ago! My 11 year old son watched this and started getting some 2 seam movement, thanks coach!!

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks for watching!

[@Lanse1984]

In my case when I went to pitching school which were done by BlueJays scouts. The 2seam i learned but ended up cutting the ball more often than not. During the Midget AAA season I found that when it did cut I had much more success as it moved alot but the wrong direction. So i switched to a full time cutter/slider as my delivery seemed to favor those pitches. My slider though all I did was move my thumb placement and focused on my arm delivery for the movement. So essentially it was a cutter also it just moved more. My changeup I held it with a 2 seam grip and it was just devestating. It moved like a sinker and i felt like I didn't have to focus on trying to make it work, it just worked. Which I think is called a Vulcan Changeup.

[@slyscot3189]

I was never able to master any pronation type pitches, even in college. I lived 4SFB, cutter, 12/6 curve my whole career since I was 12. I always played around with two seam, sinker and change ups but I was so so frustrated at never being able to master the movement, release, feel, or command. I can pinpoint a 4SFB and cutter all day and get outs. I even dig deep into the science of alternate pitches and arm angles, canting my wrist, doing pronation drills etc etc. so infuriating. I wish we had videos like these 10-15 years ago. Well done man

[@calistudent6335]

That sucks although a good cutter and classic tumbling curveball are great pitches. I loved the pronation pitches but my coaches never let me use a cutter.

[@Chxlinoo]

Can’t Wait To Try Out This New Grip!!

[@drewdavis248]

All the dislikes are people that didnt learn anything from you. Oh wait, there are none.

[@nolankayton1425]

three but its from salty peeps

[@jthompson6812]

@@nolankayton1425 4 now

[@bugz6646]

@@jthompson6812 5 now

[@connerpeterson1119]

@@bugz6646 7 now

[@cooperweiss527]

Yeah I have a really hard time throwing a changeup and I used to have hard time with 2 seam because my arm slot is more over the top

[@NebMunb]

I pitched growing up and into my early adulthood. I never threw 2seam in an actual game, because I just saw it as a very smashable sinker. Dowry Moretta, in 2023, threw an amazing 2seam that looked like a backwards slider. He'd let the pitch roll off the tip of his pointer finger, and put a little spin on it. It had 17 inch run, and absolutely baffled me. Tl;dr - Hated 2sfb, now love cuz filthy.

[@DustinTheGreat1123]

Dude these videos are so helpful, thank you. Better than any others I’ve watched. I feel like the 2sfb is the perfect example of people throwing pitches just because they know the grip and can. It seems like the most commonly misused pitch to me.

[@DanBlewett]

100% agree. Vast majority of players throw god-awful two-seamers that do nothing. No good reason to continue with it.

[@calistudent6335]

As a kid the 2 seamer was my favorite pitch. If the spin or power failed it was just a 5-10mph slower fastball and meat for a hitter, but there was nothing more satisfying than plopping one onto the edge of the zone. I would put more pressure on the index finger and try to deliver it with pronation (although we didn't know the term), and like you say playing with the release angle and grip is very important to make the pitch do its job.

[@DanBlewett]

if you were throwing it 5-10mph, especially as a youth, then whatever you were throwing was not a 2-seamer. it was something else. 2-seamers are only 1-4% slower than a 4-seamer.

[@SouthernDrawl2568]

I've seen plenty of ball movement videos for youth and pros and this is the best ever by far. Nice job!

[@DanBlewett]

Appreciate that

[@scottplucker7593]

All the crap you see on KZbin ...this guys great

[@thatonegirlazu9847]

I’m new too pitching. I’m just learning a few things here and there since we started a team at work for fun and we desperately need pitchers so I’m trying see what I can learn to help a bit. I don’t throw very hard, but I’m very good at locating the ball where I want. My pitches are very deceptive so that really helps my lack of speed. Thanks for the tips though ! Normally people have to pay for advice like this 👍🏼

[@DanBlewett]

Welcome to the club!

[@thatonegirlazu9847]

@@DanBlewett loving the videos bro! You got yourself another subscriber 🤙

[@marktantorelli3446]

what is the changeup video you mention at 8:20? Thanks for the vids.

[@DanBlewett]

this one: kzbin.info/www/bejne/npOYqISZfZVno5I

[@nepzski]

i was playing around with a plastic dimpled baseball with seams and i got a outside 2 seam to run over the plate front dooring a righty as a righty and im 3/4ths so does that mean any arm slot can use 2 seams as long as the pitcher is strong enough to enforce the run they want?

[@NationGamingChannel]

I watched this to see if there was anything that I can do to help myself and it really did. I'm a high 3/4 guy and I've always had a really good 2-seam but when I got to college I wanted it to be a sinker and with a slight grip change and MORE pronation, it sinks more consistently. There are still some times where it's a really flat run or even a rising run but more sink to it overall. Really informative video. My brother is trying to learn a two seam too so thank you!

[@DanBlewett]

Thats great I'm glad it helped!

[@mr.ramjangles5165]

Do you have a knuckleball video like this?

[@DanBlewett]

No, i'd sum it up like this: dont throw knuckleballs; theyre a waste of time.

[@ironheadvillalobos9109]

@@DanBlewett waste of time pffft tell that to RA dicky

[@JamesWatheist]

Never been flipped off by a big leaguer? 4:43 How to accidentally turn a pitch that should be straight into a cutter and how you feel when the home plate umpires strike zone for you is way smaller than for the other pitcher.

[@DanBlewett]

what

[@JamesWatheist]

@@DanBlewett my bad attempt at humor, great video though

[@zachtkai2157]

Im 14 and I consider myself a 3/4 armslot guy with a 4 seam fastball and a curveball. I recently tinkered with a sinker/2 seam but in order to get better movement it requires me to lower my armslot. Is it ok to do this even if it alters my delivery for the pitch or will good hitters pick up on this?

[@DanBlewett]

dont lower it - keep the same arm slot on all pitches

[@colinbrown6023]

I throw straight over the top but I have a bit of run on my fastball, so I can throw a 2 seam. I don’t get much movement though. But what about throwing the ball with cut and 2 seam orientation for seam shifted wake?

[@DanBlewett]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@vandar42]

Dan, I have watched most of your instructional videos, and I have 💯 % improved. I really believe in your coaching and I think the young players will be better after being taught by you. Cheers bro

[@DanBlewett]

Fantastic! Thanks so much for the kind comment.

[@nelsoncruz184]

Liked the way coach explained everything

[@otonielgonzalez6248]

Loved the video, thanks

[@shark52277]

I learn so much with these videos and how I can help my son with his pitching.

[@stimsingh9361]

Dude you would love tennis. All these physical spins and air pressure changes, are essential for every tennis shot/baseball pitch as well... My 11yo is a great pitcher and tennis player. He understands some of the physics of sports.

[@DanBlewett]

I played tennis as a kid. Liked it but didnt love it. And to be honest, I dont really geek out on spin and such - I just explain it to people.

[@delcy28]

So I have a kid that throws strikes, but just gets hammered. I was just looking for a grip that may cause slight movement to make it a little harder to hit. Suggestions?

[@delcy28]

command first. Got it.

[@DanBlewett]

He needs to get out of the middle of the plate probably. Two seamers don’t move much for young players who don’t throw that hard. It’s not a real solution for most people. Hitting spots better out of the center of the plate is a solution

[@delcy28]

@@DanBlewett got it. Thank you.

[@Adrianobrien-l7g]

I don't know if you'll respond but I throw a two seamer with just a little arm side movement but probably a foot or more of drop I'm 14 almost 15 throwing high 60s low 70s with decent command. I am a side arm pitcher. I just throw with the seams with no pronation or anything like that. I lose all velocity when I pronate. I understand a lot of the physics to baseball such as gyro spin and side spin so if you respond you can be more advanced. I throw a 4 seam, 2 seam, slider, and curveball. Is there anything I should do to make this pitch better?

[@lordsangone]

fastball, slider, curveball, cutter - supination (curl hand inward). sinker, two-seamer, changeup, screwball - pronation (curl hand outward).

[@DanBlewett]

you dont intentionally supinate or pronate any type of fastball or sinker.

[@TheMeowscarda93]

Very good video explained why I throw a natural cutter

[@DanBlewett]

Glad it was helpful!

[@armstrong2008]

this session sounds very personal for my boy. thank you a ton Coach Blewett.

[@DanBlewett]

Any time!

[@cwj9202]

Excellent information sir, as you correctly emphasized that arm action, angle, and different grips produce different speeds, rotation rates, and axes of rotation, and those parameters in turn change the trajectories of the pitches in the effort to avoid a fast swinging bat's center of percussion, i.e. sweet spot. I would suggest you not use the phrase "resisting gravity" (escape velocity from a given gravitational field - yes, resisting gravity - not the best concept) because gravitational force is equal on all pitches, assuming the density of every baseball is equivalent. The primary operative factors on the rotating sphere and its accompanying raised seams are the Magnus effect and Bernoulli's principle, the latter being a direct result of Newton's second law, and both describing the effects of a moving object in a fluid (air acts like a fluid). Hope you don't mind a little physics. Keep up the great work.

[@StateoftheFranchiseGaming]

If a Sinker and 2SFb are pretty similar how does a running fastball apply?

[@DanBlewett]

those two pitches are the same, really; "run" just is the term to describe the action of armside movement

[@georgefloydspaceshuttlepro1839]

Do you think there is anything to the idea that a two seamer that gets hit well does not carry as far as a four seamer that gets hit well? I feel like a four seamer turns into long ball four seam backspin when it is hit, while a two seamer will have erratic backspin and gyro spin when it gets hit, perhaps making for easier flyouts and grounders.

[@DanBlewett]

no. also your notion that a two-seamer would have gyro spin is not based on any real physics. also, "erratic backspin" is also not a thing. Consider tweeting at @pobguy on twitter if you'd like to confirm. None of what you're saying is correct.

[@yvngs3uce]

This taught me a lot

[@DanBlewett]

me too

[@ricky5369]

I learned that the two seam was thrown with the fingers on the laces, or at least I interpreted it. It seems there is misinformation about it or people are getting it confused. I didn't know it was thrown like that until you told me

[@DanBlewett]

yeah it can be thrown in the different ways i showed - but the grip is less important, as you just need to figure out your own way to make it move.

[@tootallforbaseball]

Could it be that with a cut 2-seamer that the pitcher got on the side of the ball, instead of the middle finger pressure, or at least part of the reason it cuts?

[@DanBlewett]

i dont know what you're asking

[@tootallforbaseball]

@@DanBlewett You state that a 2-seamer could cut if the middle finger pressure is excessive, but could the reason the pitch cuts is because the pitcher got on the side of the ball, vs. using too much pressure?

[@DanBlewett]

its not really finger pressure - did I say that in the video? its about getting on the side of the ball

[@hay_8923]

Any tips for a lefty in highschool, I just started playing recently. Great vid btw

[@DanBlewett]

watch all my youtube videos - they're literally all tips.

[@TeeDaBee13]

Hey coach, growing up I was always told that I shouldn’t throw side arm, and my coach was always trying to try and correct me to over head slot. Before this video I had no idea that there was such a thing as an arm slot. Are you telling me I can start throwing how I’ve always felt comfortable throwing?! Any advice appreciated. And thanks for these highly informative videos!

[@DanBlewett]

yes. throw how you want.

[@eliasbairamis6069]

I wish i had good baseball skills back HS... lol btw this video is great.

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks!

[@ethanhinojosa4371]

Bro I’ve never rlly pitched but my coach asked me to pitch this year (HS freshman) and I always was confused y I was throwing everything with run... I throw a 2 seam as a natural grip

[@DanBlewett]

im not your bro

[@jskus4071]

@@DanBlewett relax

[@braydenbreen9467]

@@DanBlewett ?

[@al1976-v7m]

In the past i never really understood that sinker and 2-seamer are basically interchangeable terms, always found that a bit confusing.

[@aidantailor17]

Actually, from my experience, they are not interchangeable. A two seam is generally a pitch with a decent amount of arm side run but still has a lot of magnus induced carry from the backspin. However, the big time sinkers you see now (ie. Holmes) use non-magnus force called seam shifted wake to create asymmetrical spin which leads to a lot of sink and run.

[@CoachscrapperJC444]

You have a great perspective on reality

[@DanBlewett]

live in reality every day.

[@MrH2O1998]

Hi, I'm new to baseball. Why would you want the ball to roll on 2 seams instead of 4? Wouldn't rolling on 4 means more drag, resulting in a more substantial cut?

[@DanBlewett]

Neither pitch is supposed to cut

[@russsandefer3092]

thank you for this

[@robertvlacich9934]

Ahhhh.... the days of being on the mound. I had fiddle around with a sinker when I was 15 and really refined it and honed the grip and release point. As a set-up man for our bullpen nothing better then making big power bat guys look like they are swinging garden hoses at the dish lol By my senior year I was 5'10 164lbs and my sinker was my best pitch . Consistently running from 88-90 mph and a slider around 72-76 mph. Later on added the circle-change to help mimic the movement of my sinker.

[@vincejordan3573]

bet that repertoire was filthy like you said

[@robertvlacich9934]

@@vincejordan3573 it was as filthy as my ex wife.

[@hunterbruyere5052]

did you go onto college?

[@robertvlacich9934]

@@hunterbruyere5052 had a half ride to UAH but couldn’t afford the rest of the out of state tuition.

[@c4scad3]

I have to disagree. My son's two seam was straight. So was his four seam. So why throw two different pitches? Many reasons. For one, to get the mastery reps in. For two, there was a 3-5 mph difference between the two pitches, and it made a difference. Third, learning to throw strikes with two different grips immensely helped build his confidence as a pitcher. Eventually, as he grew as a pitcher, his two seam started to behave the way you would expect it to behave. Today he's a very accurate pitcher with both fastballs and a changeup. Working through it, getting in the reps helped him build mastery.

[@DanBlewett]

if there's a 3-5mph difference he's throwing it incorrectly.

[@modestgorilla]

4:42

[@darrenballweg2771]

I’ve really tried everything to try and get my two seamer to move but nothing works. I’ve always wanted to drop down my arm slot because it would make my 2 seamer move more and work even better with my changeup but my 12-6 curve is too good to drop it down. I see guys like lance McCullers who throws a more 12-6 curve with a nasty 2 seamer and don’t understand how he does it

[@DanBlewett]

you dont need a 2-seamer. just move on

[@robrod3097]

As a left hander I developed a three seams screw ball that hardly anyone could hit. The ball moved to my right sinking very close to the home plate. The release point was at my middle finger. I did this when i was in the military in South East Asia during few free times.

[@DanBlewett]

if you're a lefty and it moves to your right (in to a righty) then it's not a screwball. Screwballs move to the armside.

[@7P9G]

I am a fan of urs btw the Korean translation is kinda off. why not try papago application😃

[@DanBlewett]

Sorry, I use KZbin’s built in Google translate feature - it’s not perfect but it’s the best I can do. Thanks for watching!

[@phongvong451]

Hello, Dan! Nice to meet you. My is is Paul. How do you do? I would like to thank you for this fantastic tutorial lesson you have provided us. Basically and honestly I do not know anything such as seams or curves or spins, but I hope that if I'd like to play and learn how to love and observe this cute baseball, I belive one day I will figure out the meaning and the given philosophy of this sport. Can you please give me some feedbacks? Thank you

[@DanBlewett]

thanks for watching, unfortunately I cannot figure out what youre asking.

[@youfound_natman5546]

I hate throwing over the top bc it makes my possible arsenal smaller

[@DanBlewett]

eh thats not really the right way to think about it. Most pitchers throw over the top...there's a reason for that.

[@Pepperoniburrito]

My 2 seam doesn't really move, but for some reason I'm more accurate with it

[@DanBlewett]

sometimes its just the way the ball feels in your hand and how it rolls off your fingertips 😎

[@Pepperoniburrito]

@@DanBlewett I guess so. This video was awesome, going to try to flick it inside

[@albinorhino6549]

In little league, I through only 2 seam fastballs and changeups and it was successful.

[@Lanse1984]

Changeup is the best pitch in baseball hands down. It makes every other pitch better.

[@gamemasterje1908]

is that a O,s hat

[@DanBlewett]

yes

[@gamemasterje1908]

@@DanBlewett you have all my respect

[@gamemasterje1908]

and good video you helped me a lot

[@One-lv4en]

i get the video is for more youth pitchers, but if i were to respond to the title only, i would say "Greg Maddux would disagree." :)

[@solidonez173]

It would awesome if you reply! You help me with all the pitches I need to learn how to throw :)

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks for watching!

[@jacobzibin1652]

*Seam shifted wake has entered the chat*

[@Mo_Ketchups]

As a one-time, tax-free gift, will you give your last name to Kenley Jansen?

[@DanBlewett]

wouldnt help. only made me stronger

[@JanoyCresva]

Can you talk about Stromans pitches? He says he doesnt pronate any of his pitches.

[@DanBlewett]

nah

[@cnhiggy]

2 seamer in the right place and time is an amazing pitch.

[@tyr2002]

Hi😀🤣😂

[@cesardachimp8172]

You kinda sound like Chris Sale.

[@DanBlewett]

i dont know what that means

[@cesardachimp8172]

Dan Blewett What do you mean?

[@larata9]

Ball movement only good when u can throw strike walks always come back to get u

[@chriskusek9494]

That's why accuratecy and location is so important

[@Jarbeefus69]

Then u got the 4K on top of it

[@DanBlewett]

4K for life

[@blevins25]

“After my 1st Tommy John surgery” you’ve had more than one?

[@DanBlewett]

*see my other videos and/or my book

[@blevins25]

@@DanBlewett so yes.

[@DanBlewett]

this is public information, easily found, not hidden or downplayed anywhere. hence why if you want to learn more about it, its in other videos and podcasts and articles and books

[@blevins25]

@@DanBlewett didn’t think you were hiding it. Just was surprised. I’ll check it out. My 16 year old son has a partial tear. Doc said he wouldn’t see it without contrast. Just doing research on what to do.

[@xX-qw4of]

My four seam is almost untouchable when I got the corners like I want to. My change up drops just enough to miss your bat. Knuckleball even freezes guys that know it's coming. My two seam? Has been hit every time I've thrown it. Doesn't matter the batter.. doesn't matter the situation. It's getting hit. I don't throw my two seam.

[@eastonalmond278]

When you grew up learning two seam and not four seam 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@DanBlewett]

I mean its still just throwing a straight pitch