The Changeup: Your Secret Weapon on the Mound
Tired of hitters sitting on your fastball? Want to add a devastating pitch to your arsenal that keeps them guessing? The changeup is your answer. This off-speed pitch, thrown with the same arm action as your fastball, creates deception and throws off a hitter’s timing, leading to weak contact and strikeouts. It is a crucial skill to master for pitchers that want to get to the next level.
Why the Changeup is So Effective
The beauty of the changeup lies in its deception. It looks like a fastball coming out of your hand, but arrives at the plate 8-12 mph slower. This difference in speed disrupts the hitter’s timing mechanism, forcing them to swing too early or lunge at the ball. A well-executed changeup can:
- Generate weak ground balls.
- Produce swings and misses.
- Set up your fastball and other pitches.
- Give you an edge against hitters who struggle with off-speed pitches.
Different Grips, Same Goal
There are several effective changeup grips, each with its own feel and movement. Experiment to find the one that’s most comfortable and consistent 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, using all five fingers.
- Three-Finger Changeup: Place your index, middle, and ring fingers across the seams, with your thumb and pinky providing support.
Key Mechanics: Sell the Fastball
The most crucial aspect of throwing a good changeup is maintaining the same arm speed and arm slot as your fastball. This is what sells the deception. Don’t slow your arm down! Focus on these key points:
- Maintain Arm Speed: Throw the changeup with the same arm speed as your fastball. The grip and finger pressure create the speed reduction.
- Consistent Arm Slot: Throw the changeup from the same arm slot as your fastball. Changing your arm slot is a dead giveaway.
- Good Pronation: Finish your throw with good pronation (turning your hand inward) to create downward movement.
- Consistent Release Point: You must try and have the same release point as your other pitches.
Drills to Develop Your Changeup
Practice is essential to master the changeup. Here are a few drills to help you develop feel and consistency:
- Towel Drill: For the towel drill, place a towel about a foot or two in front of where your front foot would land when throwing a pitch. Practice throwing a pitch and hitting the towel with your throwing hand. This will help you work on your pronation.
- Long Toss: Incorporate changeups into your long toss routine. Focus on maintaining arm speed and feeling the grip.
- Flat Ground Work: Practice throwing changeups from flat ground to a catcher, focusing on grip, arm action, and release point.
- Bullpen Sessions: Dedicate a portion of your bullpen sessions to working on your changeup. Throw it to different locations in the strike zone.
The Mental Side of the Changeup
Confidence is key when throwing the changeup. Trust your grip, trust your arm action, and don’t be afraid to throw it in any count. The more you throw it in games, the better you’ll become at using it effectively.
The changeup can elevate you to an elite pitcher. Get out there and start practicing!
