Unlocking the Secrets of the Circle Change

Want to add a devastating weapon to your pitching arsenal? The changeup, thrown with the illusion of a fastball but arriving at a significantly slower speed, is a game-changer. It keeps hitters off-balance and guessing, leading to weak contact and strikeouts. This post will focus on the circle change, a popular and effective variation.

Why the Circle Change?

The circle changeup gets its name from the grip. You form a circle with your thumb and index finger on the side of the baseball. This grip, combined with specific finger pressure, naturally takes velocity off the pitch while maintaining a similar arm action to your fastball. This deception is key to its effectiveness.

The Grip: Your Foundation for Success

  1. Form the Circle: Place your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle on the side of the ball.
  2. Finger Placement: Your middle, ring, and pinky fingers should rest across the seams. The pressure should primarily be with the ring and pinky fingers. *Think of almost ‘pulling’ the ball down with these fingers.*
  3. Deep in the Palm: The circle changeup, unlike a fastball, should sit deeper in your palm. This reduces the leverage you can apply, further decreasing velocity.

The Throw: Maintaining Arm Speed is Crucial

The biggest mistake pitchers make with the changeup is slowing down their arm. You MUST throw your changeup with the same arm speed and effort as your fastball. The grip and finger pressure do the work of slowing the ball down. If you slow your arm, hitters will easily recognize the pitch.

Drills for Circle Change Mastery

When to Throw the Changeup

The changeup is most effective when used strategically. Common situations include:

Mastering the circle changeup takes time, patience, and consistent practice. But with dedication, it can become a powerful weapon in your pitching arsenal, helping you dominate hitters and elevate your game!