Slowing down the Change Up

corlay · Feb 9, 2017

Horseshoe change.

Key is to verify with slow-mo vid, that she is truly getting her fingers to the outside of the ball,
and brush contact with the meaty part of the base of her thumb.

Also, you do not want to pull down the back side from 9:00-6:00 in a palm-up position, like other pitches.
Try and eliminate whip by getting the ball to *lead* the elbow to release, rather than lag.

Last thing, is make sure release happens at the hip, and she doesn't try and carry the ball further beyond that point and guide it in.
This will kill the spin rate, and make it a lolly-pop of a pitch for a batter to hit.

ANNASDAD · Feb 9, 2017

Phathead said:
DD throws the horse shoe change. Ques have always been throw the CU as hard as your FB and let the grip do the work.

This! Horseshoe change for us also, the key is arm speed-arm speed, DON'T slow your arm down!

Eric F · Feb 9, 2017

ccat1133 said:
Looking to get 8-10 mph difference. Most seem to be getting only about 3-5 which tend to be the ones turning it over as they throw it similar to a drop ball. Some on the other end are getting way to much which is like what your quote is saying....

It sounds like your target is about right.

lhowser · Feb 9, 2017

corlay said:
Horseshoe change.

Key is to verify with slow-mo vid, that she is truly getting her fingers to the outside of the ball,
and brush contact with the meaty part of the base of her thumb.

Also, you do not want to pull down the back side from 9:00-6:00 in a palm-up position, like other pitches.
Try and eliminate whip by getting the ball to *lead* the elbow to release, rather than lag.

Last thing, is make sure release happens at the hip, and she doesn't try and carry the ball further beyond that point and guide it in.
This will kill the spin rate, and make it a lolly-pop of a pitch for a batter to hit.

This is a good description above. Once my DD realized she needed to work around the ball and not flip it, it came together quickly. Use a regular grip and follow this guys advice on how to throw a hook and watch what happens...magic...

riseball · Feb 9, 2017

ccat1133 said:
Looking to get 8-10 mph difference. Most seem to be getting only about 3-5 which tend to be the ones turning it over as they throw it similar to a drop ball. Some on the other end are getting way to much which is like what your quote is saying....

I think you will find that a 10-15% (percent) difference is about optimal. If a kid throws 50mph a difference of 8 - 10mph is way too slow. But, if they throw 60 it is about right. Think of it this way, if the hitter is sitting on the fastest pitch from a distance of 40feet with a 10-15% difference they will miss by 4 - 6 feet and look silly in the process. A change up can be much faster than most people think to be extremely effective. IMO change ups prove to be difficult to master because people tend to over-think the pitch.

ANNASDAD · Feb 9, 2017

IMO change ups prove to be difficult to master because people tend to over-think the pitch.[/QUOTE]

Completely agree, DD's PC would always tell her to quit making it harder than it actually is and just throw it!

JAD · Feb 9, 2017

The sweet spot for a change up is 12-15 MPH slower than their fastball. Off speed pitches that are 5-10 MPH slower can also be effective. If a pitcher starts throwing much slower than 15 MPH less, good batters have the ability to recognize, reload, and foul off or drive the pitch - especially in the older age groups.

coach james · Feb 9, 2017

corlay said:
Horseshoe change.

Key is to verify with slow-mo vid, that she is truly getting her fingers to the outside of the ball,
and brush contact with the meaty part of the base of her thumb.

Also, you do not want to pull down the back side from 9:00-6:00 in a palm-up position, like other pitches.
Try and eliminate whip by getting the ball to *lead* the elbow to release, rather than lag.

Last thing, is make sure release happens at the hip, and she doesn't try and carry the ball further beyond that point and guide it in.
This will kill the spin rate, and make it a lolly-pop of a pitch for a batter to hit.

Perfect answer here!

My verbal que to piggy back on this is:
Turn at the top so you push down. Again, RELEASE IS AT THE HIP!
It's equally important to be deceptive and not give way your intent with different looking mechanics. Its got to look identical to the naked eye.

Ken Krause · Feb 9, 2017

Funny, I am watching the Auburn v OK game right now and you can see Auburn's Makayla Martin slowing her arm down as she throws the changeup. Very obvious to me. Wonder if the Oklahoma hitters will pick up on it?

corlay · Feb 9, 2017

Ken Krause said:
Auburn's Makayla Martin slowing her arm down as she throws the changeup.

She just needs to take a cue from teammate Kaylee Carlson.
Hers is a thing of beauty...

Slowing down the Change Up

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