by Brandon Merrill

Created on: November 07, 2009

A properly thrown change-up is the most deceptive pitch in baseball. While other pitches may have more movement, a change-up looks like a fastball, only eight to twelve miles an hour slower. A change-up does not allow the hitter to react to the rotation of the seams. The term pull the string is often used when referring to a change-up because of the pitches resemblance to a fastball that often makes hitters look as if the ball were pulled backwards as they swing out in front of the baseball.

While there are various ways to grip a change-up, a circle change being the most popular, they are all demonstrations of choking the baseball. While the thumb, pointer, and middle finger are used to throw a fastball, a pitcher will use the ring finger to provide an additional pressure point for throwing the change-up. More pressure points result in decreased velocity, while keeping the same arm speed. It is important for a pitcher not to telegraph the change-up by slowing down arm action, as a good hitter can recognize the speed differential and adjust.

A circle change up grip is best described by using a two-seam fastball grip, sliding your thumb and pointer together to make an OK signal, resting the middle and ring finger between the seams, and the pinky providing and additional point of pressure as it rests lazily out the outside of ball.

Another grip is a pitchfork change, where the middle finger slides directly between the seams at their closest point. The pointer and ring finger stabilize the grip on opposite sides of the ball, and the thumb provides an extreme pressure point directly underneath of the baseball (almost parallel to the middle finger).

Upon release of the change-up, a pitcher should push up and outward with their thumb. This will result in late movement, usually a slight tailing and sinking action.

A change-up can be difficult to locate and throw for strikes. A common occurrence is for pitchers to under throw. In turn, pitches often wind up in the dirt. When playing catch, pitchers should throw their change-up often to increase comfort level and overall confidence in the pitch.

A good change-up is the ultimate compliment to the fastball. When thrown properly, the pitch has the ability to keep hitters off balance, forcing them to stay honest and not sit on a fastball. Change-ups can even increase the velocity of a fastball as perceived by the hitter. Meaning, a good change up will make a fastball look harder than it really is. A quality change-up remains the most deceptive pitch in the game and is currently an active sponsor of embarrassing swings throughout the game.

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