How To Throw A Two Seam Fastball (Learn From A Coach)

In Baseball and Softball, there are many types of pitching styles. And as a pitcher, there is no limitation on adopting, but every kind may have a perfect time stage for learning. For example – How to throw a two seam fastball?

You can quickly adopt this two seamer pitch at the beginning of your career. But if you start late, you may find it a bit difficult but not impossible to adapt. 

For my students, I help them to learn to throw a two seam fastball at the beginning level. And not to build up the velocity but for the slight curve. Because for them, more than 50 mph is enough. On the other hand, if you are starting at a higher level, try to have at least 86 mph. 

In this article, I will help you learn to throw a two seam fastball step by step. 

What is a Two Seam Fastball

This two seam fastball is a pitching style in Baseball and Softball. This fastpitch can go right or left, depending on your throwing angle and arm. 

For example, if you throw the fast pitch down the middle, then a right handed pitcher can send it to the left. On the other hand, a left handed throw can send it to the right. Or it can be vice versa if you can change the angle. 

The slight curve can distract the hitter from swinging the Baseball bat.  

Do you know the difference between a Slider and a Curveball? Follow this link to know|| Difference between a Slider and Curveball

The Two Seam Fastball Pitching Grip

The grip is the first thing you need to know before learning to throw a two seam fastball pitch. If you have a perfect grip, then you can throw good pitches. Well, there is no fixed rule or style to grip a Baseball for a two seam fastball pitch. But at the beginning, try the following steps- 

• First, place your index and middle fingers on the two seams where those are the closest. 

• Then place your thumb comfortably, directly underneath those two upper side fingers. 

The Release of Two Seams Fastball

Every player is unique and has a different body measure. So, you can follow the steps and develop the perfect positioning and angle for your pitch. But a minimum strength in your pitching arm is necessary. 

While you want to release the ball like a two seamer, try to give it a 360-degree rotation on the X-axis. 

And always remember, do not grab the ball as it can touch the palm of your hand. Do not hold the ball deep inside of your hand. Try not to put more pressure on your thumb underneath than your index finger and middle finger. Just make it a firm grip. Otherwise, the throw will require more hand movements and techniques. 

During the release, flow the strength from your pitching hand to the tip of your index and middle fingers. Make good coordination with your arm slot. And put more pressure on the ball from your index finger. These steps will help to make the ball spin. 

Now, let’s analyze the after release point.

Do you know how many stitches made the seams on the Baseball, if you do not know, follow this article || How many stitches on a Baseball

The after Result of the Release

If you throw two seamers according to the mentioned steps, the ball will have an excellent off-center spin. It will travel towards the home plate, having a slow downfall. 

The ball will have a left-to-right slight curve if you are a right handed pitcher. And if you are a left handed pitcher, the ball will have a right-to-left slight curve. a

During the release, if you can give the ball a high horizontal break, it will be a running fastball (a referral name), which has a higher velocity than a standard two seamer. Otherwise, it will lose some momentum and move downward more. 

Effectiveness of Two Seam Fastball Pitch

This pitching requires more movement and technique than any other pitching. As I said, players differ in their arms strength, finger point pressure, and body coordination. And the pitch’s break point, efficiency, and velocity generation on those qualities. 

Well, if being honest, throwing a two seamer is not a problematic high-level pitch. It is very natural and mostly taught at the beginner level.

The velocity also gets different at various levels. In the Little League, it can roughly touch 50 Mph. On the other hand, at the collegiate level, it can be lower than 90 Mph if the stats go to more advanced big league pitches like Major League. It can reach up to 95 Mph. Big league pitchers spend far more time preparing to pitch than pitching.

So, two seam fastballs can be very effective and have a great pitch at the right time. 

Extra Gripping Style for Two Seam Fastball

Suppose two seams fastball pitch’s stereotype grip is rugged for you. Then you can alter the gripping a bit. 

For example- you can have a close finger placement. Like in a standard grip, you place your index and middle finger on the seams. But here, you put both the fingers together in the center space of the seams. 

Or, you can put your index and middle fingers on the space. As a result, these two fingers will be in the seams with the vastest distance. 

You can join some workout programs if you want to develop your gameplay by adding velocity to the ball. This workout will help you make extra movement and make the probable diagnosis. Then the program will give solutions to your barrier according to the constitute medical advice.

Most pitchers do this to increase their gameplay. And many pitchers are adding to workout programs more than in the past.

Greg Maddux was a former pro pitcher famous for his two seam fastball grip and the pitch. For more inspiration, let’s know more iconic players who are very good at two seams fastball pitch.  

Three Pitchers Who was Known for Two Seams Fastball

1) Tim Lincecum

He was mainly a four seam fastball pitcher. But Tim usually threw two seams just to get more ground balls. 

2) Kyle Lohse

Kyle was a two seam fastball pitcher and his average throwing speed was 91 Mph. 

3) Gerrit Cole

He was a power pitcher and mostly threw in four seam and two seam. Average two seam pitching velocity was near 100 Mph. 

Now if you want to be a better hitter so that you can hit even the hardest two seamer pitch, read this article || How to become a Better Hitter

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you detect a four seam and a two seam fastball pitch?

ANSWER: A four seam goes straight to the home plate. On the other hand, a two seam travels with a 1slight curve according to your throwing angle. 

Why is it called a four seam fastball? 

ANSWER: Well, when you throw a four seam fastball pitch, all the four seams come into view with every relation. Of Course, you will need a slow-motion camera to see that.

Is a sinker a two seam fastball?

ANSWER: Both have similarities, but definitely, they are different. If you think of them as similar is one of the big misconceptions. A sinker ball drops more than a two seam fastball. And the sinker does not get the slight curve like a two seam fastball.

The Last Thought

Do you know a two seam fastball and a four seam have similarities? If you see that it’s good. But while you throw a pitch, do not mix up these two. 

Remember, if you want to adopt a two seam fastball pitch, it is better to start early. And do not copy other players. Just follow the basics and make your perfect style. 

I hope this will help you learn how to throw a two seam fastball. And after trying, if you think a 2 seam fastball is not for you. Then not to worry, as there are more best pitching options to adopt in Baseball. Like a four seam fastball.

Good Luck. 

For More Knowledge about various Pitching follow these links || Cutter Pitch || Slider Pitch