Change-ups?

[ballguy]

Where can I find some information about throwing a change-up for a pitcher. I am looking for info on technique to take speed off the ball and different variations of change-ups.
Thanks for any help!

[Tucson]

Have you checked YouTube? Also, I have the DVD that Ernie Parker put out.

[dustyshoes]

There is no substitute for a capable pitching coach but if you want free internet info for now, here's something on change ups.

http://www.pitchsoftball.com/TheBestChange-Up.html

IMO, it's better to learn the "Circle" change than the more common "Flip" change. The way DD's coach taught her is slightly different than described in the linked website, she does the stiff wrist (no snap) release but will pull at the seam with her middle fingers which creates a topspin that's similar, and therefore more deceptive to hitters, to the fastball. The better hitters are going to recognize the Flip change more quickly and the seam pulling will help her learn the drop ball more easily.

[jofus]

My DD's pitching coach has taught her 3 different changeups (one fairly recently), that all look a little different and have a little different speeds.

What he calls the horseshoe change is her slowest, and the spin looks about like a baseball knuckleball. It tends to drop a little, and they have been experimenting with her grip/wrist angle a little to get it to curve as it drops.

The other one she has worked on for a while is a turnover change, which is a little faster but also curves just a little when she is pitching it good.

The new one they have been working on is the one that Michelle Smith pitches (according to him, at least). She brings her hand across her body at release similar to a curve, but with the hand rolling over the top.

The most important thing for a changeup is to keep it low. A belt high (or higher) changeup can be troublesome

No, wait, I take that back...the most important thing for a changeup is to make sure it doesn't look like a changeup, with a slower windmill, or fixing your grip out in the open where the batter can see it (you would be surprised how often my DD picks up on girls changing their grip where she can see it). The second most important thing is keeping it low

With that being said, it's amazing to me how often bad changeups work, much less good ones.

[hotwheels]

I personally think that the horseshoe or "C" grip change is the most consistent one but each pitcher is different with their comfort level....

[klandwehrmier]

I have a book from Cheri Kempf that has been very beneficial to my DD in addition to her pitching coach, here's the link:


http://www.amazon.com/Softball-Pitching ... 515&sr=8-1

Of the different change ups covered in the book my DD's pitching coach has her using the 'shove' technique. Basically, you 'shove' the ball into your palm and try not to let the ball roll off of your fingers at release time thus limiting the wrist snap. My DD's pitching coach tells her to 'pop' the ball out of her palm vs. snapping her wrist. It has been very effective for her. My daughter has very large hands (she can palm a basketball) and is able to get this style of change up delivered without slowing down her arm speed. Other change up techniques may work better for girls with smaller hands.

[Dino]

I think the backhand change thrown with maximum arm speed is the best. I think the backspin on the ball just makes it even more deceiving.

[soreshins]

Many pitching coaches teach the "flip" change or back hand change. It is very slow and if thrown with the correct back spin it will stay level. If you can master it, it is very deceptive. But, mastering the pitch is the problem. I have known pitchers who spent 4 years trying to get it right. In the end the pitch was inconsistent sometimes too high, sometimes in the dirt and rarely perfect.

My point is whatever change up you choose, you have to be able to throw consistantly in the strike zone or better yet in the "temptation" zone. A change up is an accent pitch that is thrown 3 or 4 times an inning. If you can't throw correctly the first time, it looses its effectiveness. So pick a change up and if you can't master it within 6 months or a year, go to another until you find one that works consistently for you.

[DonnieS]

. But, mastering the pitch is the problem. I have known pitchers who spent 4 years trying to get it right. In the end the pitch was inconsistent sometimes too high, sometimes in the dirt and rarely perfect.My point is whatever change up you choose, you have to be able to throw consistantly in the strike zone or better yet in the "temptation" zone. A change up is an accent pitch that is thrown 3 or 4 times an inning. If you can't throw correctly the first time, it looses its effectiveness. So pick a change up and if you can't master it within 6 months or a year, go to another until you find one that works consistently for you.

Same here - the best changeup is one that you can throw successfully and lets you keep a batter from becoming a hitter. You should be able to deceive even your catcher with it - good test is on old bucket dad. If I panic, even after 8 years of catching my daughter, because I called a change-up and I think she missed the call and am about to go from being a bucket dad to being ... something else, the change up is good.