What is a breaking ball in baseball?

A breaking ball is a type of pitch in baseball that is thrown with a sharp break or movement in its trajectory. This pitch is designed to deceive the batter by appearing to be a strike before breaking out of the strike zone, making it difficult for the batter to make solid contact with the ball.

There are several types of breaking balls, including the curveball, slider, and knuckleball. The curveball is thrown with topspin to create a downward break, while the slider has a sharper, more horizontal break. The knuckleball is thrown with minimal spin, causing it to flutter unpredictably.

Breaking balls can be an effective weapon for pitchers, as they can keep batters off balance and induce swings and misses. However, throwing too many breaking balls can lead to decreased velocity and control, making it important for pitchers to mix up their pitches effectively.