Part 4/8:
Moving from fastballs, the discussion shifts to breaking balls, which are designed to change direction dramatically as they approach the batter. This section of pitches primarily includes the following:
Curveball: Recognized for its slower speed, this pitch can have a distinctive 12-to-6 motion as it drops from a high point to a low one. Understanding this trajectory is essential for identification.
Slider: Generally thrown harder and with a tighter break compared to curveballs, sliders often create confusion due to their similarity to cutters or curveballs. The tighter break makes a slider a favorite among effective pitchers.