i've never been able to throw a good changeup consistently. i've always thrown a split-finger changeup, but i think i should bag it and try a new grip. someone suggested a palmball. any ideas
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quote:Originally posted by irishpride:
i've never been able to throw a good changeup consistently. i've always thrown a split-finger changeup, but i think i should bag it and try a new grip. someone suggested a palmball. any ideas
Try the standard 'circle change' - a true 'palm ball' is hard to throw IMHO, but the circler is not too difficult and you can get some great sinking action on it with a little flick of the wrist -- plus it's very easy to disguise it as a blazing fastball........
Not everyone gains the "feel" for the change up right away. It is a "feel" pitch and takes time to develop. My son played with several grips over a couple of years and finally found a grip and a "feel" that he liked. It takes time. A lot of people just go to a splitter or breaking ball. I would not recommend that. Find a grip you like and keep practicing.
The circle change is a good grip, but whatever is comfortable is what works best. The other important thing to concentrate on is keeping the arm speed and arm slot the same. So many young players change their delivery trying to "make" the ball move by opening up or dropping their arm slot or elbow. Use the same arm speed and the same arm slot and eventually you will start having success.
Also, if you get hit sometimes, don't give up on the pitch. You don't stop throwing the fb just because someone hits it. same with a change up. You have to develop the pitch in a game situation.
Good luck!
The circle change is a good grip, but whatever is comfortable is what works best. The other important thing to concentrate on is keeping the arm speed and arm slot the same. So many young players change their delivery trying to "make" the ball move by opening up or dropping their arm slot or elbow. Use the same arm speed and the same arm slot and eventually you will start having success.
Also, if you get hit sometimes, don't give up on the pitch. You don't stop throwing the fb just because someone hits it. same with a change up. You have to develop the pitch in a game situation.
Good luck!
And NEVER, EVER throw the change to a kid who is behind on your fastball!!
Also practice throwing the change grip during longtoss. This will teach you to throw it with the same arm speed as your fast ball. That's what fools the hitter.
good luck
good luck
quote:Also practice throwing the change grip during longtoss. This will teach you to throw it with the same arm speed as your fast ball. That's what fools the hitter.
good luck
That is how my son got the "feel" and developed arm speed. Good advice!!!!
Eric- yours is the kind of common sense answer that I appreciate- just spell it out plainly. Also agree, the change up isn't as easy as it might appear to be. 