Cut fastball
The cut fastball—often called a “cutter”—is a pitch that prioritizes velocity over movement compared to a slider.
It is thrown faster than a slider and has less break.
While a four-seam fastball typically has slight movement toward the pitcher’s arm side, a cutter moves slightly in the opposite direction (glove side).
Because the movement is subtle, the cutter is not usually a swing-and-miss pitch.
However, since it travels on a trajectory and velocity very close to a four-seam fastball before making a slight late break, it can miss the sweet spot of the bat and induce weak contact.
This makes it an effective pitch for getting outs efficiently and reducing pitch count.
Grip and Release
The grip is essentially a midpoint between a four-seam fastball and a slider.
Start with a standard four-seam fastball grip, then shift your fingers slightly toward the outside of the ball (glove side) by about the width of one finger.
The release is the same as a four-seam fastball.
By maintaining the same arm speed and release mechanics, the slight off-center grip naturally creates a cutter-like spin, similar to a slider.
If you begin to turn your wrist outward more like a slider, the pitch will lose velocity but gain more movement.
Adjust the balance between velocity and movement to find the version of the cutter that best fits your style.
A well-thrown cutter should look like a fastball until the last moment, making it a highly effective weapon against hitters.