How To Grip and Throw a Slider

How To Throw a Slider - A slider is held similar to a curveball but is a totally different pitch. Some people say they throw a slider but it is really a slurve (including myself). What we are going to talk about right now is a real slider. A sharp breaking pitch that moves down and away from the arm side. Speed wise, this pitch should be between your fastball and curveball. It should be close to in the middle. To grip the slider you will do the same as the curveball. Take your middle finger and pointer together on the bottom lace of the open end of the horseshoe. The thumb can go a little bit outside of the pointer finger as opposed to directly under like the curve ball but you will still keep the thumb straight as it is only there to help guide the baseball. There will also be a little more space between the baseball and your palm than there is with the curve ball but still not as much as other pitches. To throw the slider you will think fastball all the way through your motion. Just before the release point you will force your fingers on top of the ball to cut through the ball while helping this process with by bringing your thumb up. Some people say to act like you are turning a door knob. I don't like that example too much because you actually want to tilt a tiny bit while you are turning. This will help the baseball take the correct path rather than just rolling up there. Don't forget you want this pitch to be hard and sharp. Not just rolling up there.