Throwing a Change-Up in Softball

As with baseball, the key to an effective change-up pitch in softball is selling the batter on the idea that a fastball is coming, only to send a slower pitch to the plate. This means your motion has to look very similar to what you use to throw a fastball. The flip change-up lets you keep your footwork and arm speed the same, while only delivering about 3/4 the speed of a heater.

Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the softball with your normal fastball grip, unless the fastball is a weak pitch for you. In that case, use the grip that you use for your best pitch.

    • 2

      Start your motion the same way you start your fastball (or your best pitch). However, you're going to flip your hand, forearm and wrist over while your arm is headed downward to your hip.

    • 3

      Release the ball with a backhand flip, as fast as you can, just before your arm swings down by your hip. If you visualize yourself in a mirror, and throwing the ball right at your navel, then you'll have the right height of release in your mind.