Best Change Up Grip for Small Hands??
- Thread starter Coletrain
- Start date
Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch
Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.
Probably depends on the age and ability of batters but right now tiny DD throws a flip change. Same grip as fastball.
Assuming you throw the fastball with the thumb opposite the middle finger, just move the thumb over to the side of the ball -- the way you would hold it to throw it down on the ground. By the way, that is a move you can make while in the glove, i.e. expose a fastball grip then move the thumb over. I have lots of pitchers with small hands and it works very well for them.
Changeups aren't in the grip (or at least shouldn't be). They're more in the other mechanics.
Changeups aren't in the grip (or at least shouldn't be). They're more in the other mechanics.
I have coached and played fastpitch softball for many years along with my private pitching lessons.I would suggest moving the ball into the palm or bending the middle finger to put the finger nail into ball.It takes a very long time for anyone to do the flip.
- Oct 31, 2010
- 133
- 0
My dd has been struggling trying to get the flip right also, I think we will try moving her thumb to the side and bending her middle finger to see which she does best with and feels most comfortable with!
My DD's experience with the flip change is similar to what you state, but once she starts throwing it consistently, it's a deadly pitch. Many beginner's tend to slow down the arm circle to take off the speed of the pitch. Do not do this! The arm circle should be the same speed as the other pitches, its the lack of arm whip which lessens the speed of the pitch (ideally 20 - 30% less speed than the fastball) that is critical. Everytime she practices pitching, make sure she gets some opportunities to practice the c/u. Also, have her throw it in games, whether or not she has "perfected" it.
We throw a hand shake or cup of water change up. Easy to learn. Palm ball (deep) shorten arm circle by reducing shoulder rotation and then pitch the ball like you were trying to throw a cup of water on the catcher. Make sure she holds her finish and her grip so it looks like she is still holding a cup with her grip and that the water would have gone on the catcher. Make sure she does not "throw water" on herself if is looks like she would have gotten wet she has snapped her wrist and the ball will not lose as much velocity.
- Oct 31, 2010
- 133
- 0
I agree, when she releases right, the flip is nasty. Her problem is releasing too soon & too late and she's just way to inconsistent to feel comfortable throwing it outside of practice. She knows it doesn't need to be thrown for a strike, but it can't be 10ft high or rolling on the ground.
My DD experienced the same problems with a 'flip' CU, which is why we switched to a 'side handed' release. She is able to throw it much more consistantly and still take 10+ MPH off her fastball speed.
