How To Throw A Sinker: Grips and Tips, Spin and Arm Slot

[@Mrcleaneditz]

Hey man, with your videos I have thrown my first no hitter yesterday, and I owe most of it to you!

[@DanBlewett]

congrats! Keep mowing em down.

[@TaylorFamily289]

Same

[@TaylorFamily289]

Nice job man!

[@snooze6705]

thank you if i make it to the big league I will think of the guy who help me improve my game

[@king_jordan4159]

I’ll see you there my boy

[@kennethnguyen1782]

@@king_jordan4159 hope we’re on the same team

[@king_jordan4159]

@@kennethnguyen1782 🙏🙏

[@inurnet_RL]

@@king_jordan4159 see ya guys there

[@Jaxonstek]

@@inurnet_RL I will see you up there

[@MrRobVision]

I wish when I was young someone would have told me to practice the hardest on my change-up. I knew a guy who made it through high school & went to college with just a change-up. He learned other pitches in college but by that time his change-ups were filthy.

[@BrewerManFan22]

Was his name Devin Williams?

[@PitchersBlood]

I have been working on this sinker for a year and throw it quite a bit now with confidence. I'm getting as much as an 8-inch run. I can complement it with a 2-seam cutter what looks the same as a 2-seamer sinker so even at 53 & and pitching 67 mph in an adult league the batters can't tell if it's a sinker or a 2-seam cutter, they all guess in the box, then if the count is right ill set up my splitter what also acts as a changeup. Coach Dan seems to understand me, and I thank you for the content you put up. Imaupser1996 is my Baseball channel. Thank You Dan!

[@jimjack3131]

Can you make a video about hding the ball ? Like the differences with guys that hide the ball versus guys who don't

[@TinyMeatFleet]

When you mention lowering the arm slot you had me hooked. I was a sinker ball closer during my college career. Shortening your stride to get on top of the ball and having the proper cross acting of a lower arm slot is so key. THIS! You’re the man

[@Chessell]

Thank you, I have a nasty slider and this will help me get more swing and misses

[@seroromix]

Hey Dan thanks for uploading the Sinkers video been tinkering with it as you said. i'm more over the top kinda of similar two keone kela as an example. was using a two seam grip started but with the tinkering and found what I call a one seamer were I put my index and middle finger along one seam similar two a curveball grip just throwing it like a fastball really starting to see a lot more sink then run and when I pronate more I see sink and run action. thanks for ur help.

[@DanBlewett]

No problem Sean glad it helped!

[@rickycrump9899]

Sinker is easily my best pitch (not a velo guy so the movement is very important for me). I throw it with a regular 2 seam grip but I put my thumb on the second seam on the bottom, not the first. Basically I just rotate the ball forward a bit. Get tons of drop with about 3 inches of run.

[@77AjEli]

Ricky. I think my son does the same thing. Do you have a pic or video of how you do yours?

[@todd.goslin6190]

I remember Tommy John throwing almost exclusively a sinker. I'm not sure it was anything close to a 2 seamer however.

[@jimjack3131]

Hey Dan quick question I've been throwing the sinker for a month now wanna make it a major pitch for this season. It has the right shape but is too slow more of a changeup. Any tips on being able to increase the velo to make it more comparable to my four seamer

[@DanBlewett]

Jim Jack it sounds like you’re over pronating it. It shouldn’t feel much different than your fastball. If it’s coming out a lot slower than you’re applying too much force to the side of the ball and not enough through the center

[@shaquizzyonizzy3148]

Jim Jack beat your meat more it gives u that extra velo 💪

[@ozzuzzomg]

@@shaquizzyonizzy3148 ong

[@NorthernLights19780]

This is actually an incredible video.. must watch.

[@DanBlewett]

thanks!

[@MrThejboe3oh5]

I never threw it like this,but i also had a side-arm release and feel its much more effective than over the top or 3/4

[@franciscogutierrez3095]

I get the idea of the grip and release but not the logic of what makes it sink if the spin is not downward. Is it the weakness on the push when you pronate?

[@DanBlewett]

it'll have a slower spin rate relative to a fastball and a tilted spin axis, both of which dont help the ball resist gravity, and thus it will sink. it's not the goal that it has topspin like a curveball

[@SooDoNimm]

What about thumb placement?

[@DanBlewett]

Tinker with it. Lots of ways to make it work best for you.

[@PitchersBlood]

I line it up with the thumb directly on the bottom of the ball, to where the tip of the middle finger is. Think axis and how the ball Spins in a circle. But yes, the other guy's reply is correct and figure it out until it clicks. I'm a north and south RHP so I do not have a quarter arm slot, so I have got to be precise with my grip, every pitch. do not forget Ur grips when things star to work. If it works remember what works, then you will narrow down what works for you. One X a week of bullpen will not cut it. 3 workouts and 2 bullpens per week, and you will get it.

[@josephmannix5120]

What should I throw if I'm right over the top I have a filthy curveball and good fastball idk what other pitch to throw I throw change ups but they don't have much movement

[@DanBlewett]

hard to say but id say stick with the change; find something that isn't quite as slow as your curve.

[@chadgouthro1975]

Question how hard would you need to throw these pitches to see movement?

[@DanBlewett]

i dunno, but reasonably hard

[@JaneCMusic1]

My go to pitch is a circle change and 4 seam

[@jayjohnston472]

You mentioned in the video that when you were over the top in college you had a hard time throwing strikes vs being more 3/4 arm slot . Why so? I feel I’m the same way . I have more command 3/4, but, able to throw the ball harder over the top

[@DanBlewett]

Higher arm slots mean you miss up and down more, which are harder to control as you fatigue or throttle effort up and down. Mechanics are more sensitive to up and down misses, I think. So a lower slot means youre just in the zone more, and bigger adjustments are east-west.

[@jaylou3254]

Hey Coach, so when you got your fingers in between the rail road tracks , is the index and middle finger the same pressure or are you trying to get it off just your middle finger?

[@DanBlewett]

the index is on the side of the ball. Dont think about pressure.

[@jaylou3254]

@@DanBlewett okay the reason I asked is because I know some folks just use the middle finger to snap the ball and the index is just support

[@DanBlewett]

on a curveball, yes, not on a sinker

[@stryker94]

Thanks for the vid ..I learned a lot!

[@Utuubuploader2012]

Appreciate the video, sinker is a very difficult pitch to throw. Just curious who your buddy in the big leagues is with the nasty sinker you mentioned? Best I've seen in my baseball-watching life thus far has been Zach Britton circa 2016.

[@andywest2625]

Is it normal to be throwing 6 pitches at 12 I play 60 90 but in the summer I’m playing 45 60 I can throw 4 seam , 2 seam circle change up ,normal change up cutter ,curveball

[@DanBlewett]

no. four seam and two seam don't count as separate pitches, no one throws two different changeups, you should absolutely not be throwing a cutter at your age, and I think 12 is too young for a curveball. Go fastball + changeup then add a curve in 2 more years.

[@jakejake7579]

@@DanBlewett I have a pitcher on my team he is out closer he is 12 and he has been throwing a cutter for a year and has no trouble with his arm his velo has only increased since he has been throwing a cutter he throws fastball cutter change up sinker and his velo has still been around 68 so wdym by he should not be throwing a cutter at his age and a curveball yea maybe he is a little too young but look at mlb network they had an amazing pitcher come on and talk about curveball he started at 13 and he said he had more strain on his elbow on his fastball than his curveball so how does these pitches be not fine for him if he has good mechanics but yea Andy just stick to 4 seam 2seam and only one changed figure out which one is better for you and discard the other one

[@cubsfanman-nx6pg]

@jakejake7579 a good cutter is just extremely difficult to throw because of how subtely different it is from a fastball and the amount of control of your body it takes to throw it consistently is insane. Also you can only really practice it in game since you have to be throwing it as hard as it can for it to break Your teammate is probably just throwing a crappy slider and getting a lot of success because of the age group you're playing at

[@DanBlewett]

Don't forget to subscribe if you enjoyed this video! I have lots more just like it 👉 bit.ly/blewettyoutube

[@chiefs260]

What are the best locations and situations to use the sinker?

[@ryanm.4892]

Anytime you're trying to speed up the hitter's bat, for instance if he's proven to be early on your fastball and you suspect he's guessing fastball. Also, 3-1 is a perfect count in which hitters normally look to take their biggest swing at a pitch that starts out in the middle. So watch his eyes light up when you throw him a silhouette of a cookie that ducks down-and-out at the last second 😉 ...Afterwards, If you get to 3-2, throw it again, because hitters always assume a fastball follows a change-up, and they assume you're not willing to show the same pitch twice in a row. Mind Games!

[@cubsfanman-nx6pg]

@chiefs260 if your sinker is better than your fastball then you should just throw it instead of a 4 seam and usually lower in the zone. If its not as good as your 4 seam you shouldn't ever really throw it. For counts it depends on a lot and a ton on your arsenal and game but sinkers tend get soft contact so if you're behind in the count and you want to get out of the at bat without having to throw him a cookie, a low and outside sinker should work

[@lordthane1604]

Any content for body form and maybe shoulder and hip separation? I haven't played sports at all, and happen to be very interested in the position of pitcher, and am attempting to teach myself (with assistance of pro players or coaches on KZbin). It is of course progressing very slowly. And I'm mainly trying to figure out form and consistent release in the same area so as to hit the same spot consistently on a target. (I'm currently tossing a ball at a wall which I have a strike zone taped to to help me.

[@DanBlewett]

Yes - more videos on the rest of my channel

[@krisunverma1533]

How old are you bro ?

[@Schroeder28]

Should you be pronating as you are releasing the ball?

[@DanBlewett]

no

[@Schroeder28]

Thank you

[@DanBlewett]

pronation happens on every pitch after release, but only on changeups do you need to try and facilitate it before release.

[@Schroeder28]

Thank you for your time

[@realfaithlife2104]

Another great one!

[@DanBlewett]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@robertespenschied8339]

When I was playing, I could throw what I imagine was a forkball, i could put each finger on the opposite sides of the ball and flick my wrist. I could throw it under the chin and it fropped for a strike, is that just a regular forkball?

[@DanBlewett]

I guess

[@jacoblanders5981]

So I only throw a 4-seam 2-seam and a change up but my changeup doesn’t run at all it comes just like my fastball but drops off the table once at the plate any advice on how to get some run or should I leave it as is?

[@DanBlewett]

Jacob Landers try this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIfHeGluqdh1hbc

[@regressful]

See Jacob a change up is basically a 2 seam that runs left and right if you throw it correct it should slow down and confuse a hitter and make it tempting to hit

[@electroeel132]

Thanks for this

[@regressful]

A change up is basically a slow 2 seam fastball it’s basically a fastball that goes slower and moved a little left and right alittle. Edit: I throw a circle change

[@regressful]

Not exactly a breaking ball

[@DanBlewett]

Thanks for watching!

[@regressful]

Np

[@anthonyanderson8910]

Well there’s a few types of changes up a circle change a Vulcan change a screw ball

[@cipherluvsu1140]

I have seen major leaguers throwing 2 seamers and sinkers and they don’t pronate really the spin is the other way as In this video the spin looks like a lefty is throwing it but the pitcher is a righty so does it matter

[@DanBlewett]

i dont know what youre asking

[@mesisson]

I'm still trying to figure out how a pitch with backspin actually "sinks". I'm familiar with how a two-seam fastball "tails" to the side, but scientifically, how does it sink? Many years ago, what we now call a curve, with downward motion, was called a sinker. And, for that matter, a lot of today's sliders would have been called curve balls. I remember when they started using the term "slider", but I guess I'm old.

[@Chorlied9727]

You’re my savior

[@CallMeRych]

how do i help get more rpm? i’m only 14 but tryna get it higher bc ppl my age have a way higher one.

[@DanBlewett]

fewer rpm = more sink

[@CallMeRych]

@@DanBlewett really? i thought the more the rpm the more movement. thank you for that

[@CallMeRych]

@@DanBlewett btw i watched your video and threw a sinker for the first time and it has decent movement can’t wait to improve it and have a nasty one

[@DanBlewett]

awesome; keep it up

[@osimalosi7372]

I’m 14 I know how to throw fastball curve and slider should I learn anything else

[@DanBlewett]

scrap either the curve or slider and learn a changeup. you dont need two breaking balls.

[@markculver4494]

Noise info bro

[@oldlincolnpipewelder]

I remember struggling in high school against a left hander with a great slider and his fastball had a great sink to it. I don’t recall even getting a hit against him.. Maybe a walk or 2… IMHO I’d want a guy like that pitching against the big bat of your opponent’s line up instead of guys throwing straight gas at 98+

[@DanBlewett]

98+ is insanely fast - if you had faced a guy in high school throwing 99 youd have had a harder time against him.

[@oldlincolnpipewelder]

@@DanBlewett True. I know it was just HS, But I always felt like the change of speed and movement frustrated me more than timing up a fastball. I’d like to have an AB With 90+ just once..

[@Thebush-sy7ws]

What age should people start throwing this pitch?

[@DanBlewett]

maybe 13

[@flashphotography9663]

you've got to have your thumb at the same place as your index finger to through a sinker, you're only throwing part of the ball,

[@lordsangone]

In any sport that requires good accuracy, visualization is everything. If you dont paint a perfect picture in your head, you cant throw the perfect pitch IRL.

[@michaeljazielflores8559]

COOL

[@SnowboardScientist]

I’m a 7th grade pitcher why am I here😂

[@R1F12]

Bro me too

[@bowiekobzoff3360]

Me too

[@mboebbyk]

I’m a seventh grade pitcher I throw 76mph and throw four seam two seam fastballs curveballs sliders and sinkers now

[@mboebbyk]

I am 5’5 and weigh 120 I also practice everyday, if you want to be one of the greats start the grind

[@VeSON111]

Me too haha

[@doctorstrainlove6318]

Is that an O's cap i see?! 🧐

[@DanBlewett]

I grew up in Maryland but do not care for the actual team

[@보리-q1j]

I got it

[@official_sliide8242]

But I am a lefty and I throw side arm

[@DanBlewett]

And?

[@awedee.0]

throw it lets see it!

[@Donnybrook10]

we called them screwballs in my day. They break the opposite way as the curve. to the right for Right handers, left for LHers. The fastball I threw would rise. My knuckle would do figure 8s. Un-hittable

[@cubsfanman-nx6pg]

Screwballs and sinkers are way different. Sinkers should move just as fast as a 4 seam while screwballs are like 20% slower. A screwball is basically just a changeup but you pronate even more and it slows down a ton

[@Baseballpig]

What baseball team does he like 👇people who said orioles

[@陳柏安-q5k]

where is maddux"?

[@DanBlewett]

?

[@ace_chunksterace_chunkster7305]

Lmao I played the sens team in a tournament last season

[@whyit9640]

Ace_Chunkster Ace_Chunkster did you win ?

[@ace_chunksterace_chunkster7305]

Nah we lost by 1 in extra innings it was a rough ride home

[@whyit9640]

Ace_Chunkster Ace_Chunkster ah damn good luck in future games

[@ace_chunksterace_chunkster7305]

Thanks man

[@kylekelly7474]

Man stands on a mound with a ball and proceeds to explain how to throw a sinker and somehow not ONCE does he throw it. I'm at a loss for words lol

[@DanBlewett]

...because throwing it wouldnt improve your understanding. The arm and release is a blur and the camera wouldn't capture anything useful. What a camera can show is not the same as real life.

[@lowe_the_showe202]

Heres how to throw a sinker... i just am not gonns throw one.