Editing Curveball (section)

{{short description|Type of pitch in baseball}}
{{other uses|Curveball (disambiguation)}}
[[File:12-6 Curveball (single frame).gif|thumb|upright=1.3|A diagram of a [[12–6 curveball]]]]

In [[baseball]] and [[softball]], the '''curveball''' is a type of [[pitch (baseball)|pitch]] thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin to the [[baseball (object)|ball]], causing it to dive as it approaches the plate. Varieties of curveball include the [[12–6 curveball]], power curveball, and the [[knuckle curve]]. Its close relatives are the [[Slider (baseball)|slider]] and the [[slurve]]. The "curve" of the ball varies from pitcher to pitcher.

The expression "to throw a curveball" essentially translates to introducing a significant deviation to a preceding concept.