How to Throw a Major League Change-Up

To be a successful baseball pitcher you need to have multiple pitches in your repertoire. Your first two pitches should be an above-average fastball and an outstanding change-up (major leaguers seem to favor the circle change-up). "The circle change-up and the four-seam fastball are what got me to professional baseball, " said Steven Ellis, who pitched for two years in the minor leagues and has written 11 baseball books. The circle change-up is a unique pitch because you make an "OK" gesture, or circle, with your pitching hand when you throw it. The key to a major league change-up is how successfully you can get your change--up to appear to be a fastball.

Things You'll Need

  • 2 baseball players
  • Baseballs
  • Baseball gloves
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Instructions

    • 1
      To throw a circle change-up, create an "OK" gesture, or circle, with your thumb and index finger.

      Create a circle, or "OK," gesture using the thumb and index finger on your throwing hand.

    • 2
      When you throw your change-up keep your wrist loose to get the most movement.

      Center the baseball between your middle, ring and pinky finger. According to Ellis, the baseball should be tucked comfortably against the circle.

    • 3
      To reduce the speed of your change-up and add fading movement, slightly turn the ball over.

      Turn the ball over slightly by throwing your created circle to the target. This is called pronating your hand, according to Ellis. Ellis added, "This reduces the speed and gives you that nice fading movement to your throwing-arm side of the plate."

    • 4
      To take speed off your pitch, shorten your stride a few inches and collapse the back of your leg.

      Shorten your front leg stride slightly and collapse your back leg. Ellis explains that "collapsing your back leg" means reducing the back-side leg action associated with your follow-through." This will help take speed off your change-up.