Unlock the Power of the Changeup
Tired of hitters sitting on your fastball? The changeup is your secret weapon. It’s a pitch designed to look like a fastball but arrive at the plate significantly slower, throwing off the hitter’s timing and generating weak contact or swings and misses. A well-executed changeup can elevate your pitching game to a whole new level. Let’s dive into the techniques and drills to master this crucial pitch.
The Grip: Finding Your Comfort Zone
There are several effective changeup grips, and the best one for you depends on your hand size and comfort. 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 comfortably on the ball, usually with the middle and ring fingers gripping the seams.
- Palm Ball: Hold the ball deep in your palm, with all five fingers spread across the surface. This grip naturally deadens the velocity.
- Three-Finger Change: Similar to the circle change, but you’ll primarily use your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to grip the ball. Your index finger will rest lightly on the ball or even be off the ball entirely.
Experiment! Spend time practicing each grip to find the one that feels most natural and allows you to maintain consistent arm speed.
Maintaining Arm Speed: The Key to Deception
The most crucial element of a successful changeup is maintaining the same arm speed and arm slot as your fastball. If you slow your arm down, the hitter will recognize the pitch instantly. Think ‘fastball’ in your mind, even as you’re throwing the changeup. This is where the deception comes in.
Drills for Changeup Mastery
- Towel Drill: Practice your changeup grip and arm action using a towel. This helps develop muscle memory and reinforces the importance of maintaining arm speed without the pressure of throwing a ball.
- Dry Runs: Work your full pitching mechanics. Do everything except throw the ball to get used to the feeling.
- Long Toss with Changeups: Incorporate changeups into your long toss routine. This helps you develop a feel for the pitch at different distances and reinforces consistent arm action. Focus on throwing the changeup with the same effort and release as your fastball.
- Bullpen Sessions: Dedicate a portion of your bullpen sessions solely to changeups. Practice throwing them to different locations in the strike zone and visualize hitters’ reactions.
- Target Practice: Set up a target (a catcher’s mitt or a designated spot on a wall) and practice hitting your spots with the changeup. This helps you develop command and accuracy.
The Mental Game: Confidence and Conviction
Throwing a changeup with conviction is just as important as the physical mechanics. Believe in the pitch, and don’t be afraid to throw it in any count. The more you trust your changeup, the more effective it will be. A confident pitcher is a dangerous pitcher!
When to use the Changeup
The changeup is the perfect compliment to a good fastball. When you have your fastball working for strikes, it is time to introduce your changeup. When you have your hitter thinking about hitting your fastball, throw them a changeup and throw their timing off. Many professional pitchers like to get to two strikes and then use a changeup to get the strike out.
Conclusion
The changeup is a vital pitch for any pitcher looking to dominate on the mound. By mastering the grip, maintaining arm speed, and practicing diligently, you can add this devastating weapon to your arsenal. Get out there, practice, and start fooling hitters with your newfound changeup!
