Mastering the Flying Saucer Pitch in Baseball: Throw a Curveball with Side Spin

Are you a pitcher looking to add a deceptive and unique pitch to your arsenal? The “flying saucer” pitch, known for its mesmerizing side-to-side movement, can be a game-changer. This guide will break down a simple yet effective technique to help you throw this captivating pitch, drawing inspiration from the method described in the video.

What is the Flying Saucer Pitch?

The flying saucer pitch is a type of curveball that primarily moves horizontally, resembling a frisbee or flying saucer in flight. This lateral movement confounds batters who are accustomed to pitches with mostly vertical drop. By inducing significant side spin on the baseball, you can achieve this unusual trajectory and keep hitters off balance.

The Sharpie Line Technique: A Visual Aid for Side Spin

As demonstrated, a simple yet brilliant way to learn and perfect this pitch is by using a Sharpie to draw a straight line around the baseball. This line becomes your visual guide, helping you understand and control the spin you impart on the ball.

Step 1: Draw the Line

Take a Sharpie and carefully draw a straight line around the circumference of the baseball. Ensure the line is as even as possible; this will enhance its visual effectiveness during your throw.

Step 2: Visualize the Straight Line During Your Pitch

The core of this technique lies in focusing on that straight line as you throw. Your goal isn’t just to throw hard, but to release the ball in a way that keeps that line as straight as possible from your perspective throughout its flight towards the plate. Any wobble in the line indicates unwanted top or bottom spin that detracts from the desired side spin.

Step 3: Tilting for Side Spin

To achieve the flying saucer effect, you need side spin. The video suggests a key adjustment: tilting your hand slightly to the side as you release the ball. Imagine tilting that straight Sharpie line – this translates to tilting your wrist and hand, encouraging a sideways rotation on the baseball.

Step 4: Practice and Observation

The beauty of this method is the immediate feedback. Throw the ball, focusing intently on the Sharpie line. Observe the line’s behavior in flight. Is it rotating cleanly sideways (like a wheel turning)? Or is it wobbling, indicating a less effective spin? This visual feedback allows you to make real-time adjustments to your grip and throwing motion.

Tips for Perfecting Your Flying Saucer Pitch

• Grip Consistency: Experiment with different grips to find one that allows you to comfortably tilt your hand and consistently see that straight line. Common curveball grips or even a slider grip might be adaptable.
• Wrist Action: The tilt of your wrist is crucial. Practice wrist snap and pronation that naturally encourages the side spin. Avoid forcing it; let it be a natural extension of your throwing motion.
• Visual Focus: Maintain intense focus on the Sharpie line throughout your delivery, from your wind-up to release. This visual cue will train your muscle memory and enhance consistency.
• Start Slow: Don’t try to throw with maximum velocity initially. Focus on the spin and movement first. Gradually increase velocity as you gain control.
• Practice Regularly: Like any pitch, the flying saucer requires dedicated practice. Regular sessions will build muscle memory and refine your technique.
• Varying Tilt: Experiment with the degree of tilt. A slight tilt might produce a subtle side-to-side movement, while a more pronounced tilt will result in a more dramatic “flying saucer” break.
• Use a Mirror: Practice in front of a mirror to monitor your arm slot and hand position during your delivery. This helps ensure you are consistently tilting and creating the desired side spin.
• Long Toss with Focus: Even during long toss, visualize the Sharpie line and focus on maintaining its straightness and side spin. This reinforces the technique at different distances.
• Combine with Other Pitches: The flying saucer pitch is most effective when used strategically alongside other pitches. Its unusual movement can be very disruptive to hitters expecting fastball or breaking balls with vertical movement.

Why Add the Flying Saucer Pitch to Your Repertoire?

• Deception: The horizontal movement is unexpected and difficult for hitters to track, leading to swings and misses or weak contact.
• Versatility: You can vary the amount of side spin and speed, making it adaptable to different counts and hitters.
• Increased Strikeouts: A well-executed flying saucer pitch can be a strikeout weapon, especially against hitters who struggle with off-speed pitches or lateral movement.
• Competitive Edge: Adding a less common pitch like the flying saucer can give you a unique advantage over opponents unfamiliar with its movement.

Drills to Master the Flying Saucer Pitch

1. Wall Drill: Stand a few feet from a wall and practice throwing the flying saucer pitch, focusing solely on spin and the straightness of the Sharpie line. Observe the ball’s rotation as it returns to you.
2. Target Drill: Set up a target (like a glove or bucket) at a short distance. Focus on hitting the target while maintaining the side spin and straight line. Gradually increase the distance.
3. Mound Practice: Incorporate the flying saucer pitch into your regular mound sessions. Start with no batter, focusing on location and movement. Then, advance to pitching to a catcher and finally, live batting practice.
4. Sharpie Line Review: After each practice session, examine the Sharpie line. Has it faded or smeared in a particular area? This can provide clues about your release point and grip pressure.
5. Video Analysis: Record yourself pitching the flying saucer. Review the video in slow motion to analyze your arm slot, wrist action, and overall delivery. Compare it to professional pitchers throwing similar pitches.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Wobbly Line (Not Straight): This indicates you’re not consistently generating side spin. Focus more on the tilt and your wrist pronation. Experiment with slight grip adjustments.
• Pitch is Too Slow: Side spin doesn’t require sacrificing velocity entirely. Work on generating spin efficiently while maintaining a reasonable arm speed. Core strength and leg drive can help.
• Lack of Movement: Ensure you are tilting your hand sufficiently and applying proper wrist action. The side spin is what creates the movement; without it, the pitch will be straight and ineffective.
• Inconsistent Location: Control comes with practice. Focus on your target, maintain consistent mechanics, and use drills to refine accuracy. Start with larger targets and gradually reduce size as control improves.

Elevate Your Pitching with the Flying Saucer

The flying saucer pitch is a captivating and effective addition to any pitcher’s arsenal. By utilizing the Sharpie line technique, focusing on side spin, and committing to consistent practice, you can master this unique pitch and significantly enhance your pitching prowess. Step onto the mound with confidence, armed with a pitch that will leave batters baffled and your team in a winning position.

Ready to throw like a pro? Grab a Sharpie and a baseball, head to thePractice and start spinning your way to pitching success!

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