How To Throw a Changeup
How To Throw a Changeup
Goal:
The changeup is to be thrown with exactly the same arm action and arm speed as the fastball but with a grip that provides less force behind the ball, causing the ball to lose speed
Grip:
Pitching Grips for the changeup vary. Typically, the index finger and thumb make a “circle” shape on the side of the ball, while the middle and ring fingers (and possibly the pinky) providing most of the force behind the ball. These fingers will not allow maximum force behind the ball, no matter the effort, so it naturally makes the ball go slower.
The grip is to be deep in the fingers but not in the palm. Grip should also be very loose, with just enough pressure to make sure it doesn’t fall out of the hand.
Hand Action:
Again, ball is thrown very similar to the fastball in that the fingers are always behind the ball and there doesn't have to be an exaggerated wrist turn as with the curveball. However, some pitchers do slightly pronate the wrist upon release. Generally at release though, the ball should just roll off the ends of the middle, ring and pinky fingers
Predicted Movement:
Tough to gauge because each pitcher is different. Some pitchers can make this pitch move a lot, some don’t. However, typical intended movement is to “fade” or “run” or “dive” down to the pitching arm side
Some Common Changeup Grips...
The "Circle"...
Normal Change with index just off the ball...
Normal change with a 2-seam grip...
Two finger change with index and middle fingers off the ball...
The Vulcan Grip...
How To Grip It...
The best way to take speed off the ball is to take the index finger out of the equation and off the ball (or on the side so that it's a non-factor). Now start by centering the middle, ring and pinky fingers on the ball with the thumb underneath. Place the ball deep in the fingers but not in the palm.
Understand, too, that the “circle” changeup pitching grip is more or less a generic term for a standard changeup grip. Many pitchers claim to throw a circle changeup, but in reality most throw some variety of it. When learning a changeup, you are allowed much latitude, meaning there are many ways to take the necessary speed off the ball in order for your changeup to be effective.
How To Throw It...
Upon release, the hand should be slightly pronated and the ball should roll off the pinky, ring and middle fingers (usually in that order). Be careful not to grip the ball too tightly. Gripping it too tightly can affect your ability to locate it and also might not take enough speed off the pitch. And if there's not enough speed difference between this pitch and your fastballs, you will be in trouble.
Of course, every pitch you will throw should have the same arm speed, arm action, mechanics, etc. The grip on the ball and hand/wrist action at release are the only things that vary. Remember...it's a pitch based on feel. Learn how to throw a changeup through practice so you can apply the right touch to this pitch.
**Learning the changeup pitching grip that's right for you is important. Also, this pitch is not very stressful on the elbow or shoulder so this pitch can and should be learned as early 11 or 12 yrs old and worked on often.**
Return from How To Throw a Changeup to Pitching Grips
|
