speed of a curveball

Question
QUESTION: hello mike,

I'm a 14 year old playing freshman baseball and I was looking up different pitching grips when i came across a answer you gave that 15 year old varsity pitcher, and it included this sentence: "My son, a 14 year old lefty throws 4 seam, 2 seam, slow curve and hard curve (it works like a slider)." My question is I am a power pitcher i'm big and I throw a fastball, sinker, and curveball, but my curveball is really slow. So what could i do to throw a hard curve.

thanks Mark

ANSWER: Mark,

Thanks for the question.  I don't mean to sound sarcastic, but quite simply, you throw it harder. You just throw the curveball harder and learn the release point.  It will spin faster and instead of a looping slow curve, it spins really fast, has more velocity and has a very late downward and slight sideward break.  Some people call it a "slurve" because it is kind of a slider/curveball combination.  It will take you a lot of practice and time to get it down. Limit the number of breaking pitches you throw at your age.  Learn to pinpoint your fastballs on the corners.  The corners are your best friend.

Coach Boss

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I tried throwing it harder it worked for a little bit but now it seems my curve isn't catching the seems or something and doesn't seem to break like it used to and it usually hits the batter or hangs and they bomb it. I have been getting alot of tailing/sinking action out of my 2-seamer and I have dominated hitters with it but when they realize I will not throw anything else they get locked in and I need an out pitch because the sinker and curve are not always on target should I just keep trying to throw a change-up or what should I do, try, or work on?

Answer
Mark,

When you aren't getting that bite on your curve, it is usually because you are leading with your elbow and trying to throw the curveball with by pulling your elbow down and your body trying to make it break.  Make sure you get your hand out in front of you and release the pitch out it front.  This will ensure a good bite on your curveball.  

It is either that, or you are just letting it go too soon.  The same will result....a hanger with little break.  You can throw it hard, just release it out in front like you are supposed to and you will get better results.

Work hard!!!