Unlock the Secret Weapon: The Changeup
Every pitcher dreams of having a devastating out-pitch, something that keeps hitters off-balance and guessing. The changeup is that pitch. It’s not about overpowering speed; it’s about deception and control. When thrown correctly, a changeup looks like a fastball out of your hand but arrives at the plate significantly slower, disrupting the hitter’s timing and generating weak contact or swings-and-misses. This post will dive into the grips, mechanics, and strategies to develop a killer changeup.
Grip It and Rip It (Slowly!): Finding Your Changeup Grip
There are several effective changeup grips, each with slight variations in feel and movement. Experiment to find what works best for you:
- Circle Change: Form a circle with your thumb and index finger on the side of the ball. The remaining fingers rest across the seams. This grip promotes good pronation (turning your hand inward) and takes velocity off the pitch.
- Palm Ball: The ball is held deep in the palm, with all five fingers wrapped around it. This grip naturally reduces velocity.
- Three-Finger Changeup: Similar to a fastball grip, but using three fingers (index, middle, and ring) across the seams. This grip can offer a good balance of control and deception.
- Split-Finger Change-Up: Similar to the split-finger fastball grip, but can be thrown at a change-up speed, this pitch can dive down hard, and is an excellent strikeout pitch!
Key Tip: Regardless of the grip, maintain a loose wrist! A stiff wrist will make the pitch look more like a slow fastball.
Mechanics: Maintaining Fastball Arm Speed
The biggest mistake young pitchers make with the changeup is slowing down their arm speed. Your arm action should mirror your fastball delivery! The deception comes from the grip and the release, not from telegraphing the pitch with a slower arm.
- Arm Speed: Maintain your fastball arm speed throughout the entire delivery.
- Release Point: Release the changeup at the same point you release your fastball.
- Pronation: As you release, pronate your hand inward (for circle and some other grips). This helps kill the spin and create downward movement.
- Follow-Through: Finish your delivery completely, just as you would with a fastball.
Drills to Develop Your Changeup
- Long Toss with the Changeup Grip: Start with your fastball, then gradually incorporate the changeup grip during your long toss routine. Focus on maintaining arm speed and feeling the difference in release.
- Target Practice: Set up a target and practice throwing changeups for strikes. Focus on hitting your spots consistently.
- Dry Runs: Practice change-up mechanics at half speed, not throwing the ball. This will help the throwing motion become second nature.
- Bullpen Sessions: Dedicate a portion of your bullpen sessions to throwing only changeups. This allows you to refine your grip, mechanics, and command.
Strategic Use of the Changeup
Knowing *when* to throw a changeup is just as important as knowing *how* to throw it.
- Behind in the Count: A changeup can be effective when you’re behind in the count (e.g., 2-0, 3-1) to get back into the at-bat.
- Ahead in the Count: When you’re ahead (e.g., 0-2, 1-2), a changeup can be a great put-away pitch.
- Keep Hitters Off-Balance: Mix your changeup in with your other pitches to keep hitters guessing. Don’t become predictable!
- Opposite-Handed Hitters: A changeup can be particularly effective against opposite-handed hitters (e.g., a right-handed pitcher throwing to a left-handed hitter).
The changeup is a valuable weapon in any pitcher’s arsenal. With consistent practice and strategic implementation, you can master this deceptive pitch and become a more dominant force on the mound. So, get out there, grip it, and let it rip (slowly)!
