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
- Form the Circle: Place your thumb and index finger together, forming a circle on the side of the ball.
- 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.*
- 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.
- Maintain Arm Slot: Throw from the same arm slot as your fastball. Changing your arm slot is another telltale sign to hitters.
- Full Extension: Finish your throw completely. Don’t cut your arm action short.
- Visualize the Fastball: Mentally, think “fastball” as you throw. This will help maintain arm speed.
Drills for Circle Change Mastery
- Towel Drill (for Grip and Release): Practice the grip and release point by throwing a rolled-up towel. Focus on the feeling of the ball coming off your fingers.
- Short-Distance Throwing: Start throwing the changeup at a short distance (30-45 feet) to get a feel for the grip and release. Gradually increase the distance as you become more comfortable.
- Long Toss: Incorporate the changeup into your long toss routine. This will help you develop arm strength and consistency.
- Bullpen Sessions: Dedicate specific bullpen sessions to working on your changeup. Throw it to different locations in the strike zone and practice mixing it in with your other pitches.
When to Throw the Changeup
The changeup is most effective when used strategically. Common situations include:
- Ahead in the Count: When you’re ahead of the hitter (e.g., 0-2, 1-2), a well-placed changeup can be a great put-away pitch.
- To Opposite-Handed Hitters: A changeup can be particularly effective against hitters who bat from the opposite side of the plate as you throw.
- After a Fastball: Throwing a changeup immediately after a fastball can be very deceptive.
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!