How does "Nivo Slider" work?

In baseball when a pitcher throws a SLIDER how does he do it and how does it work?

• Also... how does a Change Up work?

• Answer:

  The slider is thrown with pressure applied to the index and middle finger along with pressure added to the thumb. The index and middle fingers "split" the top seams. The thumb however, is placed on top of the bottom seam. An important step in throwing a proper slider is to snap your wrist in a side to side motion as you release the baseball. When thrown properly, it will dart from right to left in a sweeping motion (left to right if you are left handed). The science behind this pitch is that the force applied to the index and middle fingers causes the ball to slide when it is thrown. With this and the combination of snapping your wrist, the baseball actually fights inertia and sharply slides during its flight to home plate. The change up is one of the hardest pitches to throw. It really doesn't matter where your fingers are placed (unlike the fastball and slider). After you form an O.K. symbol with your hand it is important to squeeze the ball tightly. Finally, you must snap your wrist in the opposite side to side motion of a slider as you release the ball. In otherwards if you are right handed you will snap your wrist counterclockwise (clockwise if you are left handed). It is also important not to throw this pitch as hard as the fastball and slider. The science behind this pitch is that the friction applied from the O.K. hand signal causes the ball to be released at a slower rate. With the torque of your wrist, the ball once again fights inertia and travels from left to right while on its path to home plate (right to left if you are left handed). However, this time the baseball will lose velocity due to the firm grip and act in a tumbling manner as it approaches home plate. **WARNING: it is advised that kids under the age of 18 do not try and throw the slider frequently as it may severely damage your hand**