
How to Throw a Changeup
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The changeup is one of the most deceptive pitches in baseball, designed to disrupt a batter’s timing by appearing like a fastball but arriving at the plate much slower. A well-thrown changeup can be a game-changer, keeping hitters guessing and making your fastball even more effective. Let’s dive into the steps to master this pitch.
Step 1: The Grip
The most common changeup grip is the "circle changeup," but there are variations to suit your comfort and hand size. To execute the circle changeup:
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Make a small circle with your thumb and index finger on the side of the baseball.
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Place your middle, ring, and pinky fingers across the seams.
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Tuck the ball deeper into your hand compared to a fastball grip.
Key Tips:
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The deeper grip helps reduce velocity without changing your arm speed.
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Experiment with other grips, like the "three-finger changeup" or "split changeup," to find what works best for you.
Step 2: The Stance and Windup
Your stance and windup for the changeup should be identical to your fastball to avoid tipping the pitch. Start with:
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Balanced Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your eyes locked on the target.
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Smooth Windup: Begin your motion just as you would for a fastball. Consistency is key.
Key Tips:
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Mimicking your fastball mechanics will keep the batter guessing.
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Stay balanced to maintain control throughout the pitch.
Step 3: The Throwing Motion
The success of a changeup lies in maintaining fastball arm speed while allowing the grip to reduce velocity. Here’s how to execute the motion:
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Stride: Step toward home plate as you would with any pitch, ensuring your stride remains consistent.
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Arm Action: Use the same arm slot and speed as your fastball. Any hesitation or slower motion can give away the pitch.
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Release: Let the ball roll off your fingers, with your middle and ring fingers doing most of the work. Avoid snapping your wrist like you would for a curveball.
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Follow Through: Finish your motion naturally, letting your arm come across your body for balance.
Key Tips:
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Focus on feel—the grip does most of the work to reduce velocity.
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Keep your wrist firm to maintain control.
Step 4: Practice and Perfect
The changeup requires precision and confidence. Practice these drills to hone your skills:
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Flat-Ground Repetition: Work on consistent mechanics without the mound.
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Mix-In Sessions: Alternate between fastballs and changeups during bullpen sessions to ensure identical mechanics.
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Feedback Drills: Record yourself or have a coach watch for any differences in your delivery.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Slowing Arm Speed: Maintain the same arm speed as your fastball to sell the deception.
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Overgripping: A too-tight grip can reduce control and spin, making the pitch less effective.
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Telegraphing the Pitch: Avoid subtle changes in your stance, windup, or release point that might tip off the batter.
Why the Changeup is Essential
The changeup works as a perfect counter to a powerful fastball, exploiting hitters who are geared up for speed. It also puts less stress on your arm compared to breaking pitches like the slider or curveball, making it a reliable option throughout a game.