The changeup is one of the most valuable pitches in a pitcher’s arsenal. It has the ability to deceive hitters and disrupt their timing, which is crucial in keeping them off balance. While it’s a challenging pitch to master, a well-executed changeup can be the difference between success and failure on the mound.
What is a Changeup?
At its core, the purpose of a changeup is to confuse the hitter by altering the speed of the pitch without changing the arm speed or delivery. Hitters rely heavily on timing to track pitches and make solid contact. By making the pitch slower, but keeping everything else the same, a pitcher can throw off the hitter’s rhythm and increase the chances of getting them to miss or make weak contact.
Why Do You Need a Changeup?
A good changeup can be a game-changer. It’s an essential pitch that can throw off a batter’s timing and make your fastball more effective. When executed properly, a changeup can be thrown in any count, making it a versatile weapon in any pitcher’s toolbox.
However, mastering the changeup is no easy feat. The difficulty lies in maintaining the same arm speed and delivery while ensuring the pitch is slower than a fastball. It takes practice and repetition, but once you get the hang of it, the changeup becomes a true equalizer.
When to Use a Changeup
A great time to throw a changeup is when you’re behind in the count, such as 2-0 or 3-1. In these situations, most hitters are geared up for a fastball. A well-executed changeup in these counts can throw the hitter off balance and reduce their power, even though they’re expecting a fastball.
The key to a successful changeup is to make it look like a fastball until the last moment. This means that if a hitter has to adjust to a slower pitch, they’re more likely to make weak contact or miss entirely. Ultimately, our goal as pitchers is to get bad swings on good pitches.
Beware of Tipping Your Changeup
One of the biggest mistakes a pitcher can make is tipping off their changeup. This happens when a pitcher slows down their arm or changes their delivery, making it obvious to the batter that a changeup is coming. When hitters pick up on this, they can adjust their timing and hit the pitch with ease. A changeup that’s tipped off is essentially a batting practice fastball, so it’s crucial to keep your arm speed and delivery consistent.
How to Throw a Changeup
To throw a successful changeup, you need to focus on three main components: arm speed, grip, and extension.
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Arm Speed
Your arm speed should remain the same as your fastball. The key to throwing a changeup is to let the grip do the work in slowing the pitch down. The changeup should feel just like a fastball in your arm motion, but with a little more control over the speed. Practice throwing your changeup consistently to build confidence in your arm speed. -
Grip
The grip you use can vary depending on your experience level. It’s important to find a grip that feels comfortable and allows the pitch to work effectively.-
Advanced: The circle changeup is a common grip where you form a circle with your thumb and index finger and place your other fingers across the seams. This grip helps control the ball’s flight and allows you to pull down with your middle and ring fingers.
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Intermediate: The two-seam changeup uses the middle and ring fingers placed along the two seams of the ball. Throw it just like a fastball, but allow the grip to naturally slow the pitch down. Avoid over-pronating the pitch.
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Beginner: The three-finger changeup is great for younger pitchers or those still developing their hand strength. Grip the ball with three fingers, throwing it much like a fastball, but with a looser grip to allow the ball to drop in speed naturally.
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Extension and Handfeel
The extension of your arm and the feel of the ball in your hand are key to executing a successful changeup. As you throw, focus on extending your arm fully, reaching toward the catcher. The grip should remain loose, and you should feel the ball come off your fingers with good arm speed. The more you practice and track the ball’s movement, the better you’ll understand how to adjust and refine the pitch.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the changeup is a tough but rewarding skill for any pitcher. It’s all about deception—making the hitter believe they’re facing a fastball, only to have the ball slow down at the last second. While it takes time to develop, once you’ve got it down, your changeup can be an incredibly effective weapon in your pitching arsenal.
