How To Throw A Change Up In Baseball

If you know how to bring the heat, you should also know how to throw a change up in baseball. The change up makes every decent fastball pitcher twice as effective when used correctly. Even if you’re not a fastball pitcher, the change up can vastly improve your game.  It will make your medium speed fastball look like a comet.

1. The grip. Hold your index, middle and ring fingers up like you are displaying the number three. Lay these across the seams of the baseball and use your pinky and thumb to grip the ball underneath. Some pitchers like the pinky and thumb to touch for added control but this is up to you. Exert an equal amount of pressure on all fingers to comfortably hold the ball.
2. The release. You throw a change up just like a fastball. It is important to use the same motion as your fastball pitch because you do not want to tip off the batters. As you wind up, make sure you keep your wrist straight and stiff. Release the ball on the way down and follow through on your motion.
3. The strategy. You have to know when to throw a change up in baseball. Some teams are notorious for first pitch fastball hitters and a change up is an easy way to get the first strike. If the hitter is aggressive and has fouled a lot of pitches or hit a really far foul ball, a good change up is perfect. Fastball pitchers use the change up to keep batters guessing while junk ball pitchers hold it in reserve for a surprise.

Tips:

• There are many styles of change up pitches but the concept is always the same. A pitch that looks like a fastball coming at you. One easy variation is the circle change up. Make an ‘OK’ sign with your hand and grip the ball with your three fingers and secure your index and thumb underneath. Throw it like a fastball but keep your wrist loose to give the ball a little movement.
• Practice holding different pitches like the change up in your glove when you are sitting around. Learn how to do this without looking or making too much motion. You want the batters to always see the same routine when you pitch. Fidgeting around in your glove when you are on the mound always draws attention.