How to Throw a Knuckle Change

A knuckle change-up is a combination pitch that is often challenging to batters because of its slower speed and unusual movement. Batters are accustomed to swinging at faster balls so the off-speed motion of the knuckle change-up often throws off their timing while the sudden drop to the ball results in many missed swings when the pitch is thrown correctly. Throwing a knuckle change-up correctly takes time and repetition to both get used to the movement and gain accurate control over the ball when throwing it.

Instructions

    • 1

      Place the ball in the palm of your hand so your four fingers come over the top and touch the seams while the thumb is on the bottom of the ball opposite your top fingers.

    • 2

      Tuck your pinky and ring finger against the side of the ball. The pinkie will be out of the way entirely while the inside of the ring finger provides support on the side of the ball.

    • 3

      Bend your pointer finger and tuck it against the ball so your top knuckle is resting against the ball surface. This position gives the knuckle change-up its name because the knuckle of the pointer finger helps give the ball spin that both slows it down and makes it drop.

    • 4

      Throw the ball as you would a regular pitch by stepping forward and using your shoulder to overhand the ball toward the batter. Use less throwing force than you would with a fastball. Practice to find the right throwing velocity that works for you.