Screwball
Also known as: screw
A screwball is a fast-pitch pitch that breaks in the opposite direction of a curveball — moving in on same-side hitters — generated by an inward wrist twist at release.
The screwball is the curveball's mirror image: a right-handed pitcher's screwball breaks toward a right-handed batter rather than away. The inward rotation of the wrist is mechanically opposite to the curve, making it awkward to learn and difficult to maintain arm health. However, when mastered, it provides a rare pitch that jams same-side hitters and pairs devastatingly with a curveball to create movement in both horizontal directions.
Example
Against a pull-happy right-handed hitter, the pitcher throws a screwball that starts at the outer edge and bores in on the hands, producing a jammed groundout.
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.
- WindmillThe windmill is the underhand fast-pitch delivery in which the arm makes a full circle before release, generating the velocity that defines the game.
- Spin AxisSpin axis is the imaginary line around which a pitched ball rotates, determining the direction of movement — a horizontal axis creates vertical break (rise/drop), a vertical axis creates horizontal break (curve/screwball).
Related guides & benchmarks
Put this into your swing
SwingVantage can spot this in your own swing — free to start.