Frequent Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the ball teach a pitcher how to throw a curveball?

A: No, it is a batter training aid. The ball is designed to be thrown like a fastball but create a curveball or other specialty pitch experience for the batter.

Q: Does the ball damage the bat?

A: No, the training aid is made of a proprietary polymer blend that will not damage the bat. In addition, the ball spins so the round portion will impact the strike point of the bat.

Q: Is the Wicked Curve ball the same size and weight as a regulation baseball?

A: Yes, the training aid is the same circumference and weighs between 5 and 5.25 ounces – the same as a regulation baseball.

Q: Does the ball travel the same distance as hitting a regulation hardball?

A: No, the ball travels approximately half the distance due to aerodynamics of having a flat side.

Q: How durable is the Wicked Curve ball?

A: The Wicked Curve ball is extremely durable. We have been personally using several of the training aids since 1986. The ball do get dirty, discolored, and grass stained, but a thorough cleaning with a Clorox wipe will return the Wicked Curve ball back to its original color.

Q: Do any Major League team use the Wicked Curve ball for batting practice?

A: Legally we cannot show team names without paying a large fee, but we do have receipts from four different National League and American League organizations.

Q: How do I throw the Wicked Curve ball training aid?

A: It is extremely simple. Hold the Wicked Curve ball like a two-seam fastball with the flat side positioned between forefinger and thumb and throw it using a normal pitching motion. Please review the website main page for delivering other specialty pitches. ***FOR MORE INFORMATION LINK***

Q: At what age should I use the Wicked Curve ball training aid?

A:: Although we do not recommend pitchers throwing curveballs or other specialty pitches at age 11 to 12, we are seeing it more often in club and recreation leagues. To ensure your team can hit the ball when exposed to advanced pitchers at this age level (and older), it is critical to use some type of training aid for your batters. We have seen many coaches institute a 3-part drill with a batter (with helmet) watching 5 pitches, use a bunting technique for the next five pitches, and finally engagiing in a full swing at all follow-on pitches. A more advanced hitting drill would involve mixing several of the Wicked Curve balls into a bucket with regulation baseballs so the batter experiences a variety of pitches.