Beyond the four core pitches, the fastball, curveball, slider, and changeup, many pitchers add specialty pitches to create unusual movement or speed. Some specialty pitches are common across baseball, such as the cutter, sinker, and splitter. Others are rare and memorable, such as the knuckleball, screwball, and eephus. Each works by changing grip, spin, or speed to make the ball behave differently from what hitters expect. Specialty pitches can be powerful weapons, but most coaches recommend that young pitchers build fastball command and a changeup first and add more complex pitches gradually with good mechanics and proper arm care.
Rulebook note: pitches that rely on foreign substances or altering the ball, such as the spitball, are illegal under baseball rules. Rules on substances, glove checks, and ball alteration vary by level. Some youth leagues also restrict certain pitches. Check your league’s rules.
Health note: follow age-appropriate pitch count and rest guidelines, such as Pitch Smart, and report any arm pain to a coach and medical professional. Learn specialty pitches under the guidance of a qualified coach.
Specialty pitches at a glance
| Pitch | Movement | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cutter | Short, late break toward the pitcher’s glove side | Thrown almost as hard as a fastball; induces weak contact |
| Sinker or two-seam fastball | Drops and runs toward the arm side | Often produces ground balls |
| Splitter | Sharp late drop | Fingers spread on either side of the ball |
| Forkball | Large drop, usually slower than a splitter | Ball wedged deeper between spread fingers |
| Knuckleball | Unpredictable flutter | Thrown with very little spin |
| Screwball | Breaks opposite to a curveball | Rare in modern baseball |
| Sweeper | Wide horizontal break | A slider variation popular in recent professional baseball |
| Knuckle curve | Curveball break with a tighter spin | Index finger tucked on the ball |
| Slurve | Between a slider and a curveball | Down and sideways break |
| Eephus | Very slow, high arc | A rare surprise change of pace |
The cutter
The cutter, or cut fastball, is thrown with a grip slightly off-center compared with a four-seam fastball, which creates a small amount of late movement toward the pitcher’s glove side. Because it arrives at close to fastball speed and breaks late, hitters often make contact on the handle or end of the bat instead of the barrel. It is one of the most widely used specialty pitches at advanced levels.
The sinker and two-seam fastball
A sinker, often thrown with a two-seam grip, moves down and toward the pitcher’s arm side. Pitchers who rely on sinkers aim to get ground balls, which can lead to double plays and fewer extra-base hits. The pitch is typically thrown low in the zone to maximize its effect.
The splitter and forkball
Both the splitter and the forkball use spread fingers to reduce backspin, causing the ball to drop sharply as it nears the plate. The splitter is usually thrown harder with the fingers spread along the sides of the ball, while the forkball is wedged deeper between the fingers and typically thrown slower with a bigger drop. Some pitchers and coaches consider these pitches demanding on the arm and hand, and they are generally recommended only for mature pitchers with sound mechanics.
The knuckleball
The knuckleball is thrown with the fingertips or knuckles pressed against the ball so that it leaves the hand with very little spin. Without stable spin, air flow over the seams can make the ball flutter and move unpredictably. It is extremely hard to hit, catch, and control, and only a small number of professional pitchers have relied on it. Catchers often use oversized mitts when catching knuckleball pitchers.
The screwball and eephus
The screwball breaks in the opposite direction from a curveball, created by turning the hand and forearm inward at release. It is rare in modern baseball, partly because it is difficult to master. The eephus is a very slow pitch with a high, looping arc, used occasionally to surprise hitters who are geared up for velocity. Both are uncommon enough that they are often remembered by fans when they appear.
The sweeper and modern pitch design
In recent years, pitch tracking technology has changed how pitchers develop specialty pitches. High-speed cameras and tracking systems measure spin rate, spin axis, and movement, letting pitchers and coaches design pitches that complement each other. The sweeper, a slider with large horizontal movement and relatively little drop, became popular as teams learned how effective wide lateral break can be against same-handed hitters. Pitch design has also led to more specialized fastballs, changeups, and breaking balls tailored to each pitcher’s arm slot and natural spin. While most amateur players do not have access to this technology, the underlying lesson applies at every level: pitches work best when they differ clearly from each other while coming from the same delivery.
Illegal pitches
Some pitches are banned outright. The spitball and similar pitches that rely on applying foreign substances or scuffing the ball are illegal, and pitchers caught using them can be ejected and suspended. Rules on what substances are allowed for grip, such as rosin, vary by level, and officials may check pitchers’ hands, gloves, and caps.
How pitchers choose specialty pitches
- Start with the basics. Command of the fastball and a changeup comes first.
- Match the arsenal. Choose a specialty pitch that complements existing pitches, such as a cutter that tunnels with a four-seam fastball.
- Consider arm slot and hand size. Some grips work better for certain arm slots and hand sizes.
- Work with a coach. Learn grips and release with guidance to avoid bad habits.
- Test in practice. Use bullpens and flat-ground work before trying new pitches in games.
- Track results. Video and pitch-tracking tools, where available, show whether a pitch has the intended movement.
Should young pitchers throw specialty pitches?
Most youth baseball guidelines emphasize developing fastball command and a changeup before breaking and specialty pitches, alongside strict pitch count and rest limits. Young arms are still developing, and complex grips can encourage poor mechanics. As players mature, add new pitches one at a time under supervision, focusing on correct mechanics rather than forcing movement with the wrist or elbow.
Common mistakes
- Adding pitches too early. Specialty pitches before mastering the fastball and changeup can hurt development.
- Twisting the arm to force movement. Movement should come mostly from grip and release, not forced wrist or elbow action.
- Throwing too many different pitches. Two or three well-commanded pitches are usually better than five inconsistent ones.
- Changing the delivery. Every pitch should come from the same arm slot and arm speed.
- Ignoring the catcher. Pitches like the knuckleball require a catcher who can handle them.
- Pitching through pain. Stop and get assessed if any pitch causes discomfort.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cutter and a slider?
A cutter is thrown close to fastball speed with small, late movement toward the glove side. A slider is slower with larger, mostly sideways break.
Why is the knuckleball so hard to hit?
It is thrown with very little spin, so it can flutter and change direction unpredictably on its way to the plate, making it hard to hit, catch, and control.
What pitches should young pitchers learn first?
Most guidelines recommend a well-commanded fastball first, followed by a changeup, before moving on to breaking or specialty pitches with good mechanics and pitch count limits.
