What are schools looking for when it comes changing speeds? If a picher is throwing around 85 with his fastball, what are ideal speeds for the cruve and change?
Thank you
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13-15MPH difference between the FB and CU is ideal
As for the curve it's more about the type of break that will determine speed differential, i.e. a hard curve with a late sharp break closer to the FB velocity is ok and so is a bigger 12-6 drop that has a bigger speed difference.
As for the curve it's more about the type of break that will determine speed differential, i.e. a hard curve with a late sharp break closer to the FB velocity is ok and so is a bigger 12-6 drop that has a bigger speed difference.
Not sure I agree with Doc on this one. I think around 10% is ideal. If you're throwing 85, I would think a 78-80 mph change is good. One thing, probably just as important, is deception. If you look like you're throwing a change, it doesn't matter what the change in speed is, it will be recognized and hit. Movement is also important.
I will agree with the breaking ball stuff - which would include the curve and the slider. I think they are variations on the same pitch. More break, slower speed = curve - Less break, more speed = slider. At 85, I would say a good curve would be low 70's. Good slider, close to change up speed, high 70's to low 80's. Once again, deception is just as, if not more important than speed. All the pitches must be thrown like a fastball. The object is to fool the hitter and disrupt his timing. If you don't do that, things get much tougher.
I will agree with the breaking ball stuff - which would include the curve and the slider. I think they are variations on the same pitch. More break, slower speed = curve - Less break, more speed = slider. At 85, I would say a good curve would be low 70's. Good slider, close to change up speed, high 70's to low 80's. Once again, deception is just as, if not more important than speed. All the pitches must be thrown like a fastball. The object is to fool the hitter and disrupt his timing. If you don't do that, things get much tougher.
I doubt they are making any major decisions based on curve and change. If so, only for a tie-breaker.
Most pitching coaches believe they can teach a curve and a change.
Most pitching coaches believe they can teach a curve and a change.
I don't really know if there is an ideal speed difference. My curveball is about 15 mph slower than my four seam fastball, and my changeup is about 7-8 mph slower. I throw a 2 seam fastball and dabble with a cutter that are both about 2-3 mph slower than my 4 seam.
I've seen guys that throw 90 mph that throw a 67 mph breaking ball, and guys that throw 90 mph that throw an 86 mph breaking ball. Its all relative based on how you're able to compete with the stuff you have.
I've seen guys that throw 90 mph that throw a 67 mph breaking ball, and guys that throw 90 mph that throw an 86 mph breaking ball. Its all relative based on how you're able to compete with the stuff you have.
quote:Originally posted by bballman:
One thing, probably just as important, is deception. If you look like you're throwing a change, it doesn't matter what the change in speed is, it will be recognized and hit.
Agreed. In limited observation, I think that college coaches are most impressed by "mature" change-up technique, that is: how closely does that high school pitcher's arm motion and arm speed while throwing his change-up resemble that of his fastball. Speed differential by itself means nothing.
quote:Originally posted by SultanofSwat:
I doubt they are making any major decisions based on curve and change. If so, only for a tie-breaker. Most pitching coaches believe they can teach a curve and a change.
I respectfully disagree.
