How to Throw a Changeup While Throwing Lefty

The changeup is one of the most effective pitches in baseball. Eventually, most hitters can get the timing down on a fastball and hit it consistently. Pitchers need a way to keep hitters off balance. The changeup accomplishes this without putting any added stress on the arm the way a breaking ball can. Changeups feature the same arm action and arm speed as a fastball, but the considerable drop off in ball speed helps fool hitters and record outs.

Things You'll Need

  • Baseball
  • Baseball mitt
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Conceal the baseball in your mitt, preventing your opponent from seeing the grip.

    • 2

      Hold the baseball deep in your left palm with either a three-finger or circle grip. The three-finger changeup grip features your ring, middle and index fingers on top of the baseball and your thumb and pinky on the underside of the ball. With a circle changeup, hold the ball with your pinky, ring and middle finger while your index finger and thumb form a circle on the side of the ball.

    • 3

      Begin your pitching windup using the same motion you use for a fastball or any other pitch.

    • 4

      Hide the ball as long as you can in your glove through the pitch delivery.

    • 5

      Bring the ball back and then forward with the same arm speed you use for your fastball.

    • 6

      Upon release of the baseball, slightly turn your hand down as if you are giving the batter a "thumbs-down" gesture with your left hand.

    • 7

      Follow through, finishing in a position that allows you to field a ball hit back to you.