Hitting the Curveball (Fast-Pitch)
Also known as: hitting a curveball, hit a curveball, how to hit a curveball, hitting the curve, hitting a softball curveball
To hit a fast-pitch curveball, read the sideways spin early and let the ball travel a little deeper. When it breaks away, keep your front shoulder closed and drive it up the middle or the other way. When it breaks in toward you, keep your hands inside the ball and turn on it.
A fast-pitch curveball moves sideways, not down like a drop or up like a rise. A right-handed pitcher's curve usually breaks away from a right-handed hitter and in toward a left-handed hitter. Many pitchers start it over the middle or the inner half and let it run off the plate. Hitters who decide too early end up pulling off the ball. They reach for it with their arms or roll it over for a weak grounder to the pull side.
Against a curve that breaks away, many coaches teach hitters to stay closed and let the ball come to them. The barrel meets it a little deeper, over the plate rather than far out in front. The target becomes the middle of the field or the opposite field. Some hitters move closer to the plate or up in the box to reach the outer edge. Against a curve that breaks in, the job is the opposite. Keep the hands inside the ball, turn the hips and meet it out front before it reaches the hands.
Recognition does most of the work. The curve spins on a more upright axis than a rise or a drop. Reading that spin out of the pitcher's hand buys the hitter an extra moment to adjust. Seeing curves in practice, from a pitcher or a machine that can throw one, helps hitters learn the look. With two strikes, cover the outer edge and trade some pull power for contact. Early in the count, many hitters look for a pitch in one area and let a good curve go by.
Tips by skill level
In practice, ask for curves and aim every one at the middle of the field. Hitting the ball where it is pitched is the first habit to build.
Learn each pitcher's curve. Note whether she uses it to start counts, to finish hitters or only off the plate. Then decide in which counts you will swing at it and in which you will let it go.
Example
A right-handed hitter facing a right-handed pitcher sees a curve start over the middle of the plate. She keeps her front shoulder closed and lets the ball drift toward the outer edge. She lines it into right-center field instead of rolling it over to the shortstop.
Why it matters
Many fast-pitch pitchers use the curve to work the edges of the plate. A hitter who can only handle straight or up-and-down pitches gives them an easy way to get her out.
Common mistakes
- Opening the front shoulder early and pulling off a curve that is breaking away
- Reaching for the outer edge with the arms instead of letting the ball travel
- Trying to pull every curve and rolling it over for a weak grounder
- Letting a curve that breaks in get too deep and getting jammed
Frequently asked questions
How do I hit a curveball in softball?
Read the sideways spin early, keep your front shoulder closed and let the ball travel a little deeper. Against a curve breaking away, drive it up the middle or the other way. Against one breaking in, keep your hands inside it and turn.
Which way does a fastpitch curveball break?
Sideways. From a right-handed pitcher it usually breaks away from a right-handed hitter and in toward a left-handed hitter. A left-handed pitcher's curve breaks the opposite way.
Should I move up in the box against a curveball pitcher?
Some hitters do. Moving up or closer to the plate can help you reach a curve before it runs off the outer edge. Try it in practice first. It also gives you a little less time against her fastball.
Related terms
- Curveball – Fast-PitchA curveball is a fast-pitch pitch thrown with lateral spin that causes the ball to break sharply to one side as it reaches the plate, disrupting a hitter's timing and eye-line.
- Curveball Spin DirectionCurveball spin direction is a fast-pitch curve's roughly vertical spin axis, tilted toward horizontal. It breaks the ball away from a same-handed hitter.
- Reading Spin Out of the HandReading spin out of the hand means spotting a pitch's spin direction right after release. Seeing it early buys extra reaction time against movement pitches.
- Pitch Recognition (Fast-Pitch)Pitch recognition is reading pitch type, spin, and speed early enough to make a good swing decision. It combines several narrower reads into one skill.
- Hitting the DropHitting the drop means angling the bat path down through the zone to match a drop ball's late break. It avoids a flat swing that rolls over the top.
- Two-Strike ApproachA two-strike approach is how fast-pitch hitters adjust with two strikes. Most shorten the swing, cover more of the zone, and favor contact over power.
Related guides & benchmarks
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