Buzz
Blitzball, a delightful backyard rendition of baseball, offers a myriad of throwing techniques to enhance your gameplay. Among these, the slider stands out as one of the simplest yet effective throws, making it an ideal starting point for beginners. Meanwhile, the 2-seam fastball emerges as a swift and precise throw, perfect for accurate plays. As for the screwball, it presents a slightly more challenging technique, requiring wrist rotation during the throw. Once perfected, the screwball becomes a remarkable throw, capable of generating impressive spin. Although the various throws share similar techniques, their distinct grips and arm movements yield unique outcomes.
Key Steps
Mastering the Slider
Ensure a Firm Grip on the Ball: Securely hold the ball in your dominant hand, pressing it into your palm while wrapping your fingers around it.
Position Your Fingers over the Ball Seam: Place your index and middle fingers on the top seam of the ball, ensuring they are close together and follow the seam's curve.
Support the Ball with Side Fingers: Rest your other fingers alongside the ball, utilizing your ring finger for support. Ensure your thumb and index/middle fingers provide the primary grip for accurate throws.
Adjust Thumb Position: Position your thumb slightly outward on the ball's bottom seam, allowing it to rest on one side. Experiment with thumb positioning to determine the throw angle.
Take a Forward Step: Step forward with your non-dominant foot, approximately 2.5 feet ahead of the hand holding the ball. Ensure your toes point towards your intended throw direction for optimal momentum.
Position Your Forearm: Extend your forearm sideways, forming right angles with your body. Orient your wrist and the ball's face towards the target, keeping your hand parallel to the ground for accuracy.
Draw Your Forearm Backward: Pull your forearm behind your body, ensuring it remains parallel to the ground for straight throws.
Release the Ball Forward: Push the ball forward past your body as you release it. Roll the ball off your index finger, avoiding wrist snapping for a smoother throw.
Executing a 2-Seam Fastball
Secure the Ball Grip: Grip the ball firmly in your dominant hand, tucking it into your palm and tightening your fingers around it.
Position Your Finger on the Seam: Place your index or middle finger over the top seam of the ball, following the curve downwards. Rest the other finger slightly away from the seam, maintaining an even grip strength.
Position Your Thumb: Hold your thumb on the bottom seam of the ball, pressing it flat onto the surface for a secure grip.
Support with Your Ring Finger: Rest your fingers to the side of the ball, while using your ring finger to provide additional support. Find a comfortable position by adjusting the bend of your ring finger and pinky.
Advance Your Opposite Foot: Step your opposite foot approximately 2.5 feet (0.76 m) forward, ensuring your toes point in the direction of your throw. Turn your body slightly towards your throwing hand to build momentum.
Extend Your Forearm Sideways: Position your forearm horizontally and perpendicular to your body, directing the inside of your wrist towards your target. Keep your hand and forearm parallel to the ground for accurate throws.
Draw Your Forearm Backward: Pull your forearm slightly behind your body to a comfortable position, ensuring it remains parallel to the ground. Increase momentum by pulling your forearm further back if needed.
Propel the Ball Forward: Push the ball forward and release it once it moves past your torso. Avoid snapping your wrist and ensure proper finger positioning for accuracy.
Executing a Screwball
Hold the Ball Securely: Grip the ball firmly in your dominant hand, wrapping your fingers around it for a secure hold.
Position Your Finger: Place your index or middle finger on the top seam of the ball, ensuring it follows the curve of the ball. Experiment with finger placement for comfort and practice for efficiency.
Adjust Finger Placement: Position your other fingers to the side of the ball, using your ring finger for support. Experiment with finger bending until you find a comfortable grip for accurate throws.
Advance Your Opposite Foot: Move your opposite foot approximately 2.5 feet (0.76 m) forward, aligning your toes with your target direction. Rotate your hips towards your throwing hand for added throwing power.
Position the Ball and Elbow: Hold the ball near your shoulder, keeping your elbow slightly behind your shoulder. Avoid extending your elbow too far back to maximize throwing power.
Extend Your Arm Sideways: Stretch out your arm in a sweeping motion towards your opposite shoulder as you release the ball. The speed of your arm motion determines the ball's velocity.
Rotate Your Wrist: Turn your wrist while releasing the ball, transitioning it from behind the ball to above it. Release the ball as your hand moves forward towards your target. Experiment with timing for accuracy and spin control.
