Pitch Types
Fastballs
There are three types of fastballs: Four Seam Fastballs, Sinkers (Two Seam Fastballs), and Cutters.
If you're looking to throw a Four Seam Fastball, you'll want to add vertical movement. In order to add ride (vertical break) and limit run (armside horizontal break), use a 4-Seam Orientation.
If you're looking to add a sinker, more sink and run will add to its effectiveness. In order to add run (more armside horizontal break) and kill lift (less positive vertical break), use a 2-Seam or 1-Seam Orientation.
If you're looking to add a cutter, you'll need to limit arm side movement. In order to add cut (more gloveside horizontal break), use 4-Seam Orientation.
Breaking Balls
There are three types of Breaking Balls: Gyro Sliders, Sweepers, and Curveballs.
If you're looking to throw a Gyro Slider, you'll want to maximize velocity and limit total movement. In order to add depth (vertical break) and limit sweep (gloveside horizontal break), use a 4-Seam Orientation.
If you're looking to add a sweeper, you'll want to increase horizontal movement. In order to increase sweep (gloveside horizontal break) and limit depth (negative vertical break), use a 1-Seam or 2-Seam Orientation.
If you're looking to add a curveball, you should look to maximize depth. In order to increase depth (negative vertical break) use 4-Seam Orientation.
Offspeed
There are two types of Offspeed Pitches: Changeups and Splitters. Both of these pitches behave similarly.
Offspeed pitches are a bit more nuanced in how to optimize seam orientation. Offspeed pitches are most effective with more depth and more run. In almost all cases, we'll look to maximize movement in those directions.
If you even slightly cut the ball (hand on the outside of the ball at release), use a 2-Seam or 1-Seam Orientation.
If you turn over the ball (hand on the inside of the ball at release), use a 4-Seam Orientation.