Some major league pitchers are able to throw their fastballs over 100 miles per hour. This is the easiest pitch to learn, but requires a certain amount of ability to able to pitch over 90 miles per hour. There are two typical ways to hold a fastball, known as two-seam and four-seam: (the number of seams that will be in the direction of the first spin). In both pitches, two fingers and the thumb provide the most adequate grip. The fingers are flicked down on release giving backspin to the ball. With the four-seam, the seams catch the air as the ball is being pitched, the ball then rotates and the ball tends to float due to the lift generated by the four seams. With the two-seam, only two seams are going to catch in the air, because of this the ball tends to sink

*The fastball only really counts on the speed. Hints the name fastball. The fastball is also known as the smoker or hummer. The fastball can be held in two ways; two seams or four seams (this name is for the number of seems that appear in the direction of the primary spin).  The ball is thrown straight towards the plate upon and rolls down the fingers after they are snapped down upon release. Because it rolls right off the fingers it puts a straight backspin on the ball. This is the fastest pitch and requires the least amount of control on the spin on the ball. This pitch is also the easiest pitch to learn. When the four-seam fastball is being released the four seams catch in the air while the ball is spinning. Because of the four seams catching in the air the ball seams to float. When the two-seam fastball is being thrown only two of the seams catch in the air and therefore the ball in this case tends to sink down. A good fastball is the result of proper mechanics and a smooth delivery, maximum control, and velocity will depend on: good coiling or uncoiling leg and body action, a strong push off the edge of the rubber, quick snap or the elbows, wrist, and fingers, then the smooth follow through.