Easiest Ways to Throw a Change Up for Small Hands

The change up can be one of the most effective pitches in baseball. Designed to look like a fastball, the change up fools hitters by coming in at 10 or more miles per hour slower than a fastball. While there are many ways to grip and throw a change up, the most common techniques require large hands or long fingers. If you are a younger player just learning to pitch, find the grip that works best for your small hands.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn the circle change up grip and modify it to suit the size of your hands. Curl your index finger into the base of your thumb, making a very tight "OK" sign with your hand. Place the ball with the seams up and horizontal into the palm under your third, fourth and fifth fingers. Modify the grip by separating your thumb and index finger. Use the index finger to hold the ball in place, making it a four-finger change up.

    • 2

      Grip the baseball to throw a three-finger change up. Hold the ball with the stitches up and horizontal. Grip the ball with your three middle fingers over the seams. Hold the ball deep in you palm with your thumb and pinky underneath it or on the sides.

    • 3

      Make sure the ball is deep in your palm. Throw it and release it as you would a fastball. Let the change in speed come from the grip and not from your arm action or arm speed. Ensure that your arm moves exactly as it would for a fastball. Otherwise, the hitter will see the change up coming. Experiment with different grips until you find the one that works best for you.