Whats the best way to throw a curveball for a 12 year old?
Sorry dude- no curve should be thrown at that age. Long toss is the best thing at that age to build the strength. Curves will weaken the ligaments and increase the likeliness of injury later as well as lessen the potential for speed. A change up is the best alternative. At that age the ball moving is not what kids swing at- it’s the dramatic drop in speed. A circle change will move down and away from the pitcher when thron correctly. You get the benefit of off speed and movement without the damage. A palm ball is good, but usually less movement- more prone to get clobbered. Fastballs, 4 or 2 seams for movement and a good change will take you well into high school. By then someone will teach a curve ball and it will develope. By the way: most high school pitchers can’t throw a change up to save their lives and rely on 2 pitches. If you can get the change now, the curve will come easy later and you will have 3 or 4 pitches to choose from. Makes you a hotter commodity.
