How To Throw a Slider in Baseball: Pitch & Grip Secrets (2024)

The slider is one of the nastiest pitches in baseball. It has seen its use grow drastically in recent years and is quickly replacing the curveball as the predominant breaking ball in the game. The slider comes in different variants, but the results are the same. It moves with glove-side action with 10-15 inches of break. Sliders are thrown faster than the traditional curve ball, making them harder to hit. Normally a slider will be 5-10 mph slower than a fastball. Let's explore the slider in more detail and learn how it can add diversity and effectiveness to a pitcher’s arsenal.

In this article, we’ll cover:

Understanding the Slider Pitch

A slider is a breaking ball that is thrown faster and generally with less verticle movement than a curveball. It breaks sharply at the last second and is thrown at a higher velocity than most other breaking pitches. The slider and the curveball are sometimes confused because they generally have the same purpose -- to deceive the hitter with spin and movement away from a pitcher's arm side.

A slider is meant to be slightly more deceptive than a curveball because it is thrown harder and has a spin that more closely resembles a fastball. Many power relief pitchers possess only a fastball and a slider in their arsenals -- with one pitch setting up the other because of the late deception created by the slider.

The slider is a great option for pitchers to have in their arsenal. Its sharp movement and late break make it a very challenging pitch to hit. It helps keep the hitter off-balance and makes timing up the fastball difficult. Because of the faster speed, the slider and the fastball play off each other. They both look the same until the last minute when the slider breaks sharply. This makes the slider a great strikeout pitch.

Basics of Slider Grip

There are a few different types of slider grips. Typically, a player will play around with different finger positioning until they find one that works best for them. Here are a few of the most common slider grip variations.

The standard slider grip holds the ball with the fingers slightly off-center between the inner seams. The index finger is off the seam, the middle finger is directly on top of the seam, and the thumb is at the bottom slightly off-center. Normally the ring finger’s knuckle will be touching the side of the ball to give some stability to the grip. Each pitcher will vary their pressure, but the norm is to apply pressure with the thumb and middle finger.

There is not one slider gip that will work for everyone. It is important to experiment with different grips to find one that works best for you. Most commonly, pitchers will change where the seam is positioned. Pitchers can also play around with the pressure between the fingers. For example, applying more pressure with the middle finger might produce better results for you. Experiment during catch-play to find which combination of grips and pressure you prefer.

Mastering the Slider Pitch Movement

Throwing a slider is similar to throwing a curveball but with a few small differences. Let's look at two main components of the movement: spin and grip.

When throwing the slider, you have your hand slightly off to the side of the ball, really emphasizing pulling down with your fingers. This produces a horizontal spin on the ball which helps the break. The sharper and more efficient the spin in, the sharper the break. For a good slider, the pitch should break towards the glove side and drop at the last few feet.

When looking at how your slider is moving, you are aiming for a combination of horizontal and vertical movement. Too much vertical break will cause your slider to become more of a curveball. The direction of the break can be manipulated by changing your grip, pressure, and wrist pronation while throwing.

Mechanics of Throwing a Slider

When throwing a slider, you want your mechanics to be the same as any other pitch. You want to avoid tipping that you are throwing a slider to the hitter. You also want to throw the slider from the same arm slot and release point. If you change your arm slot only for the slider, the hitter will know a slider is coming as soon as they see the new release point. A good way to see if you are keeping the same arm slot and release point is to record yourself throwing a fastball and slider and see if your mechanics stay the same.

Due to the wrist and elbow action of the slider, the pitch can place stress on ligaments and tendons. Therefore, it is important to maintain proper mechanics when throwing the slider. You want to remain consistent when throwing all your pitches as inconsistencies can cause injury. Additionally, different mechanics can give away the fact that you are throwing a slider to the hitter.

Developing Slider Control

Like any pitch, the slider takes time to master. Here are some helpful drills to help you develop your slider.

Once you get a feel for the slider in practice drills, try it from a mound in the bullpen. This is a time to refine the pitch and see how it moves at game speed. Ask your catcher or coach to ensure you keep the same mechanics as your other pitches. Also, ask your catcher to pay attention to how the slider is moving. They will be able to tell you what is working and what is not as you play around with different grips and pressures.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When throwing the slider, there are a few important mistakes to avoid to ensure you are as successful as possible

A hanging slider is a slider that is slow without a sharp break. The slider is supposed to be thrown hard, with a sharp break at the end. A slider can become a hanging slider when you do not have a good grip that pulls sharply on the seam. Also, if you do not have a good wrist position, the ball will release on the wrong axis and not have the correct spin. If you frequently leave your slider hanging, experiment with different grips and pressures to find one that gives you the sharpest break.

If your slider is not moving, it probably is not spinning correctly. Spin causes movement, so you want to throw a tight spinning slider. As you release the pitch, pull down with your fingers and let the ball roll off your fingertips to spin the ball as fast as possible. When throwing a fastball, you are trying for backspin, but with a slider, you are looking to spin the ball sideways like a bullet.

How To Throw A Slider in Baseball FAQs

A slider is thrown faster and with sharper, later, and more horizontal break than a curve ball.

A slider should only be learned after the player has mastered other pitches like the fastball and changeup. Younger pitchers should avoid the slider due the strain they place on developing arms.

Some of the most notable pitchers to throw the slider consist of Zack Greinke, Randy Johnson, and C.C. Sabathia.

The slider is one of the most difficult pitches to hit due to its late break. Try to keep your weight back and anticipate the break. Be careful not to chaise the pitch out of the strike zone. Finally, hope the pitcher hangs it for you!