Welcome to Part 3 of our “How to Throw” series! If you’ve been following along, you’re in for a treat as we dive into the world of off-speed and breaking pitches. In this post, we’ll focus on the changeup, a pitcher’s go-to off-speed pitch that can deceive batters and keep them off-balance.

What Makes the Changeup Special?

The changeup is an off-speed pitch that complements a pitcher’s fastball. Its goal is to mimic the trajectory of a fastball but with a significant decrease in velocity, usually between 8-12 mph slower. This difference in speed confuses hitters, leading to mistimed swings and soft contact.

Things to Consider

While the changeup’s velocity difference is crucial, it’s equally important to consider other factors such as your arm slot and the overall repertoire of pitches you possess. Changeups can vary in movement, with some showcasing a fading effect while others resemble slower fastballs. The amount of sidespin imparted on the ball determines the pitch’s horizontal run, making it a valuable weapon, especially for pitchers with lower arm slots.

Creating a noticeable separation in movement from your fastball can give you a significant edge, rather than relying solely on speed variation.

Mastering the Changeup Grip

Now that we understand the fundamentals of a changeup, let’s dive into the gripping technique. While there’s no one-size-fits-all grip, we’ll focus on the most frequently used grip among our athletes, known as “CH 2.”

To achieve this grip, place your middle and ring fingers on both seams to leverage the ball for spin and rotation. The non-dominant side of your hand should be used, with the index finger positioned on the side of the ball, similar to the placement of the pinky on the opposite end. The thumb should be placed underneath the ball for control.

Remember to hold the ball firmly without being too loose or too tight to maximize sidespin generation.

Perfecting the Changeup Delivery

The key to an effective changeup lies in generating significant side spin, enhancing its movement and separation from your fastball. You can achieve this by “rolling over the ball with your hand” or “swiping the inside of the ball” upon release. While it might feel uncomfortable at first, practice will help you find your rhythm.

Analyzing Changeup Movement

Once you’ve practiced your changeup in a bullpen session, use tools like Rapsodo to evaluate its vertical and horizontal movement. A well-executed changeup should have distinct differences from your fastball, enhancing the effectiveness of both pitches.

Exploring Additional Changeup Grips and Cues

In addition to the CH 2 grip, there are variations commonly used by athletes. Some pitchers opt for a four-seam grip (CH 1) or move the ball further onto the non-dominant side of their hand. Experiment with these grips to find what works best for you.

You may also come across the splitter grip (CH 5), which requires a wider grip with the index and middle fingers placed across the top of the ball. While more challenging to master, the splitter can offer a unique alternative to the changeup, creating a drop or diving effect.

Additional cues such as “roll over the ball,” “throw it with your ring finger,” “pronate sooner,” “swipe inside of the ball,” and “think about having a flexible wrist” can aid in refining your changeup delivery.

Summary

Mastering the changeup is an ongoing process that requires experimentation and adaptation to find the grip and delivery that suits you best. Each pitcher has their own unique style, and it’s essential to manipulate the ball’s movement according to your preference.

At Sports News, we’re committed to bringing you the latest insights from our in-house athletes. So keep honing your changeup skills, and stay tuned for more updates from our team.

By Mike Tampellini

Read How to Throw a Cutter
Read How to Throw a Slider
Read How to Throw a Curveball
Read How to Throw a Sinker or Two-Seam Fastball
Read How to Throw a Four-Seam Fastball