A slider pitch is a unique type of pitch with an average speed slower than a fastball but faster than a curveball. As a pitch, it typically breaks down and away.http://www.lokeshdhakar.com/2007/09/20/baseball-pitches/ The aim of the slider pitch is to produce enough spin to make the ball difficult to hit, but still allow it to maintain a high speed. The pitch was referred to by Ted Williams as "the best in baseball" thanks to its effectiveness in change-up.http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_grips.htm#q9.
To best executive a slider pitch, the key is to have the pitch go off the side of your index finger nearest to the thumb. This will enable it to have enough spin to potentially throw off the batter.http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_grips.htm#q9 In terms of grip, the key is to grasp the ball tightly enough to keep it from coming out of your hand on its own; however, it must also be loose enough to come out if someone were to walk by and tap your hand.http://www.pitching.com/baseball-pitching-grips/
Randy Johnson, who is mostly know for playing with the San Francisco Giants. is one of the more well-known pitchers who utilizes the slider as a fastball change-up.http://www.thecompletepitcher.com/pitching_grips.htm#q9 Johnson won over 300 games during his time in Major League Baseball, and even nicknamed his slider "Mr. Snappy."http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4225648. Adam Nunn of the Washington Nationals went as far as to call Johnson's famous slider pitch "filthy."http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/columns/story?columnist=kurkjian_tim&id=4225648
The best pitchers in baseball can through a slider at speeds close to 90 miles per hour.
