10U Backhand Change Up Problems

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Apr 18, 2015
54
6
8 months in to working the backhand CU and she struggles with consistency and slows her arm down, but every great once in a while I will have her throw the horseshoe CU she is much more consistent, arm circle looks like her fastball. The issue is the PC teaches the backhand, she is a good coach DD really likes her and responds well to her, last thing I want is to come across like I am undermining or questioning her coaching. So do we stick with working the backhand CU or talk to her about the trying to work horseshoe?

Thanks in Advance
 
Oct 11, 2010
8,337
113
Chicago, IL
Backhand change can be a hard pitch for some pitchers, I would not hesitate to mention to coach that she would like to try inclement change for a while to see how it works.
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,401
63
Northeast Ohio
I would change. Flip is very hard pitch to throw. I have seen very few good ones. Can the pitching coach demonstrate at full speed and distance. That would help you know if they are doing what they are teaching.
 

shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket
Tough pitch to throw consistently. See kids regularly who've thrown it for years as their only change, and still have issues. It's like the only change to throw in our area??? I'd try several, and see which one clicks for her.
 
Apr 18, 2015
54
6
It's not a flip change up, they way she teaches it, the thumb is at 6, pinky at 12, palm towards 3rd base side, ball rolls off the thumb.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
The best change is one that is easiest to control. Play with several and refine the ones that take off speed and are easier to control. 12/6 spin is a serious plus.
 
Last edited:

Chris Delorit

Member
Apr 24, 2016
343
28
Green Bay, WI
ndame88,

The change-up isn't an overly difficult pitch to learn to throw. Unless it's being taught with too much complexity. Consistancy will take time. By 8 months, she should be able to paste the strike zone willfully.

Is your daughter's instructor demonstrating what he/she is teaching, and is there consistancy there for you both to see?

The following statements stand out...

but every great once in a while I will have her throw the horseshoe CU she is much more consistent, arm circle looks like her fastball.

This is good.

It's not a flip change up, they way she teaches it, the thumb is at 6, pinky at 12, palm towards 3rd base side, ball rolls off the thumb.

This isn't. In fact, it sounds like contortion.

Too keep it simple, your daughter's change will only basically differ from her drop in terms of location of her fingers at the release point. Where her presumably four fingers are normally behind the ball at the drop release (thumb over the top), they are now repositioned to the outside of the ball (thumb on inside, horseshoe facing the catcher) by a slight hand rotation on the downswing. Fingers & wrist are immobilized at brush, allowing the ball to fall out of the bottom of her hand at release.

There are some variables, but realistically, you're probably looking at a fraction of the time you've already invested in training to see consistant results.

Of course, it's up to you to decide whether relationship or skill advancement is most important to your daughter.

Wishing you the best, :)
Chris
 
Last edited:
Dec 8, 2015
249
18
Philadelphia, PA
My 10U DD never had a problem learning the change and had it down pretty quickly. She does a handshake change which is reverse to the way you mention your DD is learning (palm towards body, back of hand towards 3rd, thumb on top) and finishes like the old Charlies Angel pictures. She's able to locate it with ease and it's a good 7-10mph slower than her fastball.
 
Is the wrist flipping at all? Don't want that to happen. Have her do the same change up you are describing but have her paralyze her fingers......as a minimum that should get rid of any wrist flip.
 

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