If you know how to throw a sinker, you can be a devastating pitcher. Thrown correctly, the sinker can be one of the most effective pitches a pitcher can throw. It induces the hitter to hit ground balls, rather than fly balls that can leave the ballpark. Derek Lowe, Roy Halladay and Chien-Ming Wang, among others, have made their careers out of mastering the pitch.
There are two main grips that are used in learning how to throw the sinker. One is to hold the ball the same way you would to throw a two-seam fastball, along the seams, and to twist your wrist in a downward motion just before you release the ball. Those who use this grip claim that it has a sharper sink, but it can be harder to control, leading to more wild pitches.
The second grip starts the same way. Hold the ball as you would a two-seam fastball. Next, turn over the side of the ball closer to your thumb just before releasing the ball. Combine it with a slight increase in pressure on the ball with the index finger.
The sinker isn't thrown like other breaking pitches. Fastballs and sliders require the pitcher to "snap" their wrists to create enough spin to make the ball break. Having to "snap" the wrist results in lost velocity. Breaking balls can range in velocity from anywhere as low as the 60s to the low 80s. The sinker is thrown much harder, usually in the upper 80s to low 90s.
It is essential for sinker balls to be thrown low in the strike zone. Ideally you would throw it towards the bottom of the zone, around the knees, and it would sink out of the zone causing the hitter to hit a ground ball or weak pop-up. Throwing it high will allow it to sink right into the middle of the strike zone, which would make the pitch very hittable. Once you know how to throw a sinker you'll be unstoppable.
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