Many fastpitch softball pitchers are able to throw pitches at speeds that rival baseball pitchers and can put movement on the ball, making it rise or dip. As in baseball, the ability to throw a good change-up keeps the hitter off balance and gives the pitcher an advantage.
Stiff Wrist Change-Up
Step 1
Place your fingers across the horseshoe part of the seams and your thumb underneath, as you would on your fastball.
Step 2
Position the ball as deep into your palm as possible. Leave as little space between the ball and the palm of your hand as possible.
Step 3
Release the pitch with a stiff wrist and open all your fingers at once, so the ball comes off the heel of your hand.
Step 4
Grip the ball with the tips of your thumb and index finger touching to form a circle for a slightly different stiff wrist change-up.
Flip Change-Up
Step 1
Grip the ball with your standard fastball grip and take the same wind up and arm motion as your fastball.
Step 2
Rotate your hand as it passes your hip just before release so your palm is facing down and the back of your hand faces the plate.
Step 3
Flip your wrist toward the catcher as you release the ball to slow the speed of the pitch. Grip the pitch with just your thumb and pinky if the fastball grip is too fast.
Step 4
Hold the ball with your index finger and thumb forming a circle for a slightly different flip wrist change-up.
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