The Deceptive Power of the Changeup
The changeup is one of the most effective pitches in baseball, not for its speed, but for its lack of it. A well-executed changeup disrupts a hitter’s timing, leading to weak contact or swings-and-misses. It’s a crucial weapon for pitchers of all levels. This post will show you to improve your changeup.
Grip and Release: Finding Your Comfort Zone
There are several changeup grips, each with subtle variations. Experiment to find what works best for you. Here are a few popular options:
- Circle Change: Form a circle with your thumb and index finger on the side of the ball. The remaining fingers rest across the seams.
- Palm Ball: Grip the ball deep in your palm, with all five fingers spread across the surface.
- Three-Finger Change: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers on top of the ball, with your thumb and pinky providing support underneath.
The key to any changeup grip is to hold the ball *loosely*. Avoid squeezing it tightly, as this will increase velocity. The release should mimic your fastball delivery as much as possible. Sell the pitch with your arm speed, but let the grip do the work of slowing the ball down.
Maintaining Arm Speed: The Illusion of Velocity
One of the biggest mistakes pitchers make with the changeup is slowing down their arm. This telegraphs the pitch to the hitter. Your arm speed should be identical to your fastball. The deception comes from the *difference* in speed between the two pitches, not from a slow, obvious changeup delivery.
Drills for Changeup Mastery
Practice these drills to develop a consistent and deceptive changeup:
- Long Toss with Changeup: Incorporate changeups into your long toss routine. Focus on maintaining arm speed and consistent release point.
- Dry Runs: Practice your changeup delivery without a ball. Focus on the grip and release, ensuring it mirrors your fastball motion.
- Target Practice: Throw changeups to a specific target, aiming for the lower part of the strike zone. This improves control and accuracy.
- Bullpen Sessions: Dedicate a portion of your bullpen sessions solely to the changeup. Work on different grips, locations, and sequences.
Mental Game: Confidence and Deception
Throwing a good changeup requires confidence. Believe in the pitch, and commit to it fully. Don’t be afraid to throw it in any count. The more you trust your changeup, the more effective it will be.
Remember, the changeup is an off-speed pitch, learn how to control it, locate it and use it!
Conclusion: Add a Changeup to Your Game
The changeup is a valuable pitch that can elevate your game to the next level. With consistent practice and attention to detail, you can develop a changeup that keeps hitters off-balance and helps you dominate on the mound. Get out there and start practicing! You’ll be amazed at the results.
