Nailing the end of a pitch – or your release point – is the key to throwing great pitches.
Learn how that advice can be applied to your change up.
Change ups need to be 2 things, and in this order:
- Slow
- Low in the Zone
Too often, pitchers will either throw their changeups too fast, or too high/low – get frustrated and then say “forget it” and quit. Either that, or they’ll start looking for a new one. Does that sound familiar? If so, then this simple drill might just help turn your change up into a lethal weapon.
Start about 15 feet away from your catcher, and with a ball in your hand, put your feet in the position they’re in when you let go of the ball (just like you see the pitcher doing to the right).
Then, without bringing your arm up over your head, simply throw your changeup – whatever type you throw.
Focus on the following:
- Using your hand more than your shoulder
- Reaching forward toward the catcher at the release (instead of pulling up and making the pitch go high)
- Trying your best
Keep in mind that the ball follows your hand so if it keeps going High or Low, then that’s exactly where your hand is pointing as you’re letting go of the ball. Try to reach forward more during your release to help the ball go forward more toward the catcher.
If the pitch is too fast, then you’ve got to make sure you’re getting your hand into position at the release point:
- If you throw a backhand change – then make sure your hand is facing backwards before you let go instead of AS you let go.
- If you throw a knuckle change – then make sure you’re gripping it deep and tight and stiffening your hand as you let go instead of flicking with your fingers.
While this drill might seem simple, that’s the great part about it. Because it eliminates the beginning part of your pitch it makes it easier for you to get the release right.
Do this from about 15 feet for 10 pitches and then move back about 5 feet and slowly add your beginning. Don’t ever let the beginning of your motion destroy your release!
For more help with your pitching, check out the following:
- The Complete Book of Pitching
- eClinics: Pitching eClinics
- eDrills: Pitching eDrills
- eSkills: Pitching eSkills
- Softball Excellence Vault Classic™ – Annual (all of our eLearning products including eClinics, eDrills, eSkills and ePractices at one low price!)
- Softball Excellence Vault Classic™ – Monthly (all of our eLearning products including eClinics, eDrills, eSkills and ePractices at one low price!)
