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Is My Kid Ready for a Curveball? 3 Questions to Ask First
Before a breaking ball, answer three simple questions. If any answer is no, keep building the fastball and changeup.
- Pitch selection
- Ages 8–16
- Free
Short answer: Ask three questions: Does your fastball throw strikes consistently? Does your changeup use the same arm speed? Can you repeat your motion on every pitch? If any answer is no, keep building the fastball, because a breaking ball isn't a shortcut.
This is part 9 of our Beginner Pitching Series.
General information, not medical advice. I'm a pitching coach, not a doctor. If your child has pain that doesn't go away or something feels wrong, stop throwing and talk to a doctor.
Question 1: Do you throw fastball strikes consistently?
Not once in a while. Consistently. If the fastball isn't going for strikes yet, a new pitch won't fix that. See aim small, miss small.
Question 2: Does your changeup use the same arm speed?
The changeup comes before the curveball. If the changeup still looks slower out of your arm, keep working it. See the beginner changeup section.
Question 3: Can you repeat your motion on every pitch?
Same balance, same move, same finish, every time. See the basic pitching motion.
Not all yes? Keep building the fastball
That's normal, and it's not a setback. A breaking ball isn't a shortcut. Strikes, a good changeup, and a repeatable motion get more outs for young pitchers than a pitch they can't control.
Talk to your coach (and doctor) first
There's no one right age for every kid. Every pitcher grows and develops differently. Before adding a breaking ball, talk with your child's pitching coach about where they are. If you have any health questions about your child's arm, talk to a doctor.
FAQ
What age can kids throw a curveball?
There isn't one answer for every child. Start with the three questions above, and talk to your child's coach. For health questions, talk to a doctor.
Will a curveball help my kid get more outs?
Not if the fastball and changeup aren't there yet. A breaking ball isn't a shortcut.
What should my child work on instead?
Fastball command first, changeup second, and a motion they can repeat on every pitch.
My kid's travel coach wants a curve. What do we do?
Share the three questions and talk it through with the coach. Ask what the plan is for the fastball and changeup first.
Want a plan for what to work on next?
Tell us your child's age and current pitches on the contact page. We coach young pitchers in Naples and Collier County.
