How to Throw a Cut Fastball

Co-authored by Jim Price

Last Updated: August 27, 2024 Approved

The cut fastball, or cutter, is a variation of either a two- or four-seam fastball. When thrown as a right-handed pitch, it moves from right to left, almost like a curveball, but with later, less severe break. The mechanics of the pitch, however, are still pure fastball, so you won't have to throw the pitch like a curveball. When thrown correctly, the cutter is a devastating pitch, designed to draw off-balance contact.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Two-Seam Cut Fastball Grip

Download Article

A two-seam fastball is gripped with the index and middle fingers on the two narrow seams of the baseball.
Make sure your fingers are relatively close together. Your fingers can either be positioned so that your middle finger runs along the seam, or so that the seam runs directly in the middle of both fingers. Experiment with what works best for you.^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Move your thumb over so that it's diametrically opposed to your top two fingers. Diametrically opposed just means that if you extended both fingers in the same direction, they would eventually form a perfect circle.
- Think of the ball like a clock. If your thumb on a normal two-seam grip is at 6 o'clock, your thumb now should be at a 4 o'clock or 5 o'clock position.
For right-handed pitchers, this means turning your wrist slightly to the left. For left-handed pitchers, this means turning your wrist slightly to the right.
When throwing a two-seam fastball,^{[2]
X
Research source} put extra pressure on your middle finger. This will create a natural spin on the ball that will help it cut.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Four-Seam Cut Fastball Grip

Download Article

A four-seam fastball is gripped with the index and middle fingers going perpendicular across the U-shaped seams. Your two fingers should touch the seams of the baseball in four places: the bottom of both fingers and the top.^{[3]
X
Research source}
This will help create the cut in your fastball, as the last finger that touches the ball will be the middle finger.
Your thumb and your top fingers may not be exactly diametrically opposed, but they should be pretty comfortable.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Delivering the Pitch

Download Article

You don't want to telegraph your pitch until the exact moment you release the baseball. Tipping the hitter off early could ruin the surprise of the pitch.^{[4]
X
Research source}
2
Think "fastball" all the way. The cutter is a fastball, after all.^{[5]
X
Research source} You want a simple up-and-down motion with your hand, not delivering any spin with your wrist.
- Make sure your arm-speed is similar to your fastball arm-speed.
- Extend your arm fully as you deliver the pitch.
^{[6]
X
Research source} This will cause the ball to move away from a right handed batter and in on a left handed batter.

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is it okay to throw a cutter if I'm a youth pitcher? (I'm 11.)

Community Answer

Yes. Throwing a cutter will not torque your wrist or violently turn your thumb and fingers, both of which stress the tendons. A fastball/cutter is a clean throw. Your arm will last longer if you continue to pitch as you age.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 31
Question

Will throwing like this help me to throw faster?

Community Answer

No, this is just a pitch that curves inside or outside depending on what arm you throw with. Throwing this way will give you a tactical advantage but your speed will stay the same.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 8 Helpful 18
Question

How do I throw a knuckle curve?

Community Answer

For the grip its just a regular curve ball, but you put your middle finger's knuckle against the ball. For the delivery, it's a fastball delivery, but experiment and figure out which is best for you.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 11 Helpful 16

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

To add a lot of cut to this pitch, apply more pressure with your middle finger.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
This pitch is best used in a righty vs. lefty or lefty vs. righty match up as it will ride in on their hands and the bat handle.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Start this pitch on the inside of a right handed batter and the outside of a left handed batter.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0