Wrist Snap – Pitching
Also known as: snap, wrist flip
The wrist snap is the final acceleration of the wrist and fingers at the moment of release in the windmill delivery — the primary source of both pitch velocity and spin.
At the release point near the hip, the wrist snaps downward (for a fastball) or in various rotational directions (for movement pitches) to add the last burst of speed to the ball and set its spin axis. Without a sharp wrist snap a pitcher loses significant velocity and spin rate. The direction of the snap determines pitch movement: downward = fastball/drop, upward-backward = rise, lateral-outward = curve, lateral-inward = screwball.
Example
The pitcher's arm circle slows slightly at the hip, then the wrist fires downward with a sharp snap, adding 5–8 mph and pure backspin for a rise ball.
Related terms
- 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).
- Rise BallA rise ball is a fast-pitch pitch thrown with backspin so it appears to climb as it nears the plate, tempting hitters to swing under it.
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