The slider is one of the most effective pitches in baseball when executed properly. It’s a breaking pitch that tails laterally across the plate, making it difficult for batters to square up. Mastering the technique for throwing a slider involves learning proper wrist and arm action to generate sharp, late break on the pitch.
What is a Slider?
A slider is a breaking ball pitch that tails laterally through the strike zone from the pitcher’s arm side. For a right-handed pitcher, it breaks from right to left, and for a left-hander, it goes from left to right. The objective is to start the pitch on the outer third of the plate where it looks like a fastball, then have it curve back over the plate, fooling the batter.
The slider is gripped similarly to a fastball but with the index and middle fingers spaced wider apart on the seams. This allows the pitcher to apply pressure on the outer half of the ball to create side spin. The wrist is flexed inward and snapped down quickly at release to enhance the sideways rotation.
Slider vs Curveball
The slider has some similarities to the curveball but differs in the grip and wrist action. Curveballs break downwards with topspin, while sliders break sideways with lateral spin. Curveballs are gripped deeply across the seams, and sliders are held along the seams. The wrist snap is more abrupt on the slider to create sharper, quicker break.
Advantages of the Slider
When thrown correctly, the late, sweeping break of the slider makes it very tough for batters to hit solidly. Here are some key benefits:
- Changes the batter’s visual perspective as it tails across the zone
- Produces weaker, defensive swings and more swing-and-misses
- Effective strikeout pitch when positioned beneath the zone
- Causes ground ball outs when kept low in the zone
Having a good slider in their arsenal gives pitchers an out pitch to get hitters out in big spots. It’s especially useful against same-handed batters.
Proper Slider Technique
Throwing an effective slider requires using the right wrist and arm action to produce maximum spin and lateral movement. Here are some key proper techniques:
Grip
The slider is gripped slightly off-center along the seams with the index and middle fingers spread apart. The fingers should be angled diagonally inward to help produce side spin. The thumb is placed underneath, pointed down toward the palm.
Arm Action
On the downslope toward the plate, the pitcher leads with their elbow. This creates more whip-like action through the release point. The upper arm should stay close to the body while the forearm extends out, creating arm-side run.
Wrist Snap
This is the most critical component for throwing a hard, sweeping slider. The wrist is cocked inward during the windup then snapped firmly downward at release. This imparts powerful side spin on the ball. The later and sharper the wrist snap, the better the break across the zone.
Release Point
The ideal release point is out in front of the head for full rotation on the pitch. Releasing too early causes the slider to lack bite and spin. The ball should roll off the index finger last to maintain downward pressure through the pitch.
Follow Through
Finish the throwing motion with a complete follow through. The arm should extend out toward the target with the hand ending up near the opposite hip. This ensures full momentum is put behind the pitch.
Proper Arm Slot
The arm slot, or release point out in front from the shoulder, affects the angle of the pitch. This determines how much lateral movement is generated based on the magistrate of side spin.
Ideal Arm Slot for Max Slider Break
- Three-quarter slot: Release point slightly above the shoulder
- Low three-quarter: Release point lateral to the shoulder
The key is to maintain the same release point on each pitch. Altering the arm slot changes the break of the slider.
Issues with Higher Release Points
- Overhand/high three-quarter slot: Reduces lateral movement
- Prioritizes downward break over sideways tail
- Makes the pitch flatten out and easier to hit
Issues with Lower Release Points
- Sidearm/submarine slot: Causes inconsistent, sweeping break
- Hangs the pitch up in the zone, prone to hard contact
- Strains the elbow and shoulder more
The most effective arm angle for maximizing a slider’s lateral break is the low three-quarter slot.
Importance of Wrist Snap
The signature sharp, late break of an effective slider comes directly from the quick wrist snap. This imparts sudden side spin on the ball right at release point. Without sufficient wrist snap, the pitch will lack bite across the zone.
Ways to Improve Wrist Snap
- Choke up slightly on the ball at grip point
- Keep the wrist cocked longer before release
- Increase grip pressure with the fingers across the seams
- Follow through fully after release
- Repeat pitch throws focusing only on wrist action
Achieving maximum sideways rotation on the slider requires an aggressive, downward wrist snap at the release point. This last-second action fools the batter’s eyes and contact point.
Troubleshooting Slider Issues
When a slider isn’t breaking sharply or locating consistently, it usually stems from mechanical flaws in the delivery. Here are some common problems and solutions:
Problem: Hanging Slider
- Issue – Releasing too early, not enough wrist snap and spin
- Solution – Delay wrist snap, increase grip pressure, follow through fully
Problem: Flat Slider
- Issue – Arm slot too high, not enough side spin
- Solution – Lower release point, increase wrist snap and pronation
Problem: Spinning Slider
- Issue – Too much lateral rotation from shoulder, not wrist
- Solution – Limit shoulder turn, focus on downward wrist snap
Problem: Inconsistent Breaking Action
- Issue – Inconsistent release point and wrist action
- Solution – Repeat same throwing motion, stay through pitch longer
Making minor adjustments to arm slot, grip, and wrist snap can get the slider breaking late and sharply again.
Developing a Dominant Slider
With hard work and repetition, pitchers can develop a slider that is both a swing-and-miss pitch and a weak contact ground ball pitch. Here are some keys:
Grip Consistency
Use the same grip positioning each time to ingrain muscle memory and release consistency. Marking the seams with chalk helps get the optimal finger placement.
Release Point Consistency
Work from the same arm slot and don’t drop down or release too early. This will keep the break action consistent.
Spin Efficiency
Maximize spin rate on each pitch by perfecting wrist snap and pronation. High spin equals sharper bite and fade.
Tunneling
Make the slider visually look like a fastball out of the hand before it darts sideways at the last moment. This improves deception.
With mastery of these techniques and consistency in the delivery motion, a pitcher can develop a deadly, swing-and-miss slider as an out pitch.
Pitchers with Great Sliders
Some MLB pitchers are known for having nearly unhittable sliders with sharp, two-plane break. Here are a few modern examples:
Clayton Kershaw
– Left-handed starter for the Los Angeles Dodgers
– His slider tails as much as 2 feet laterally with 3000+ RPM of spin
– Uses an overhand release point for extra downward break
– Buries sliders below the zone or backdoors them beneath the hands
Max Scherzer
– Right-handed starter for the New York Mets
– Throws a hard slider 85-90 mph from a 3/4 arm slot
– Achieves elite horizontal movement and 2500+ RPM of spin
– Uses the slider as a strikeout pitch in any count
Blake Treinen
– Right-handed reliever for the Los Angeles Dodgers
– Utilizes a low 3/4 arm slot to sweep sliders across the zone
– Generates the highest horizontal break of any pitcher
– Relies on the slider heavily in high-leverage situations
Liam Hendriks
– Right-handed closer for the Chicago White Sox
– Unleashes 85 mph sliders with 3000+ RPM from a high slot
– Uses it as both a chase pitch and a back foot strikeout pitch
– Has a 49% whiff rate and .128 BAA with his slider
The best pitchers in baseball can dominate hitters with a firmly snapped slider by optimizing spin, movement, velocity, and location.
Teaching a Slider to Youth Pitchers
For young pitchers, learning proper slider technique early is key but must be done cautiously to avoid arm injuries. Here are some tips:
Start with Fastball and Changeup
Develop command of these fundamental pitches first before moving to breaking balls.
Focus on Mechanics and Control
Emphasize repeating a clean, efficient delivery motion. Dial in fastball command before adding sliders.
Build Up Arm and Wrist Strength
Gradually implement weighted ball and wrist strengthening programs.
Learn Proper Throwing Mechanics
Teach correct grip, arm slot, wrist snap, and follow through specifically for the slider. Reinforce muscle memory with frequent repetition.
Increase Slider Volume Cautiously
Add sliders into the pitch mix carefully over time without overusing. Limit throwing volume based on age and recovery ability.
With a step-by-step progression tailored to each pitcher’s ability and readiness, the slider can be taught properly and safely to youth players.
Conclusion
Executing an effective slider requires coordinating several throwing techniques precisely. The sharp, late break comes directly from the downward wrist snap at release point. An optimal arm slot, efficient spin axis, strong grip, and smooth follow through are also essential. With lots of throwing practice, pitchers can master the mechanics to develop a dominant slider. The result is a nasty off-speed pitch that handcuffs hitters. While youth pitchers can learn sliders, progression must be done carefully to avoid injury. With patience and proper mechanics, young players can command the slider to get hitters out at any level.