How to Throw Changeup Pitches

The changeup is an off-speed pitch that baseball pitchers use to fool batters. When pitchers throw a changeup properly, the motion they use is the same as though they were throwing a fastball. But the changeup travels slower than a fastball, so hitters lose their timing and often swing at the pitch before the ball arrives. While the three-finger version is the easiest for beginning pitchers, you can throw a changeup several ways.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
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Instructions

  1. Three-Finger Changeup

    • 1

      Hold the baseball so the wide part of the seams are on top of the ball and face outward.

    • 2

      Space your index, middle and ring fingers evenly across the top of the ball. Place your thumb and pinkie finger on the bottom of the ball, inside the seams.

    • 3

      Push the ball as far into your palm as you can.

    • 4

      Throw the ball with an overhand motion, using the same arm speed as though you were throwing a fastball.

    Circle Changeup

    • 5

      Hold the baseball so the wide part of the seams are on top of the ball and face outward.

    • 6

      Space your middle, ring and pinkie fingers evenly across the top of the ball.

    • 7

      Make a circle with your index finger and thumb. Place the circle on the side of the ball, and tuck the ball against it.

    • 8

      Throw the ball with an overhand motion. As you throw the ball, rotate your throwing hand slightly so the circle made from your thumb and index finger is on the bottom of the ball as you release it.

    Palmball

    • 9

      Hold the baseball so the wide part of the seams are on top of the ball and face outward.

    • 10

      Place your index finger and pinkie on either side of the baseball, and your middle fingers on top of the ball. Space all fingers evenly.

    • 11

      Place your thumb underneath the baseball.

    • 12

      Push the ball into your palm as far as you can.

    • 13

      Throw the ball with an overhand motion, using the same arm speed as though you were throwing a fastball. As you release the ball, rotate your hand slightly to one side or the other to increase the ball's movement.