The change-up is also referred to as an off-speed pitch, because the speed is slower than your other pitches. The pitcher delivers a change-up with the same motion and intensity as a fastball. When used effectively, a change-up fools hitters who are anticipating the faster pitch. The slower speed is created by a particular grip, along with the way your wrist and hand move at the point of release. You can throw change-ups in several ways. For many, the easiest techniques to learn may be the "knuckle change” and the “circle change.”
Knuckle Change
Step 1
Grip the softball with the faces of the fingernails of your first two fingers against one of the inner swirls of the stitches. If your hand is too small to grip this way, dig the fingernails of the first two fingers into the stitches on the inner swirl.
Step 2
Use the starting position you normally use to deliver a fastball. Your arm rotation and footwork will be the same as your fastball pitch. Go into your windup with your wrist stiff at the top of the arc.
Step 3
Keep your wrist stiff as you approach the release point. At the exact moment of release, pop your fingers open and push the softball with the heel of your hand. Pushing causes the softball to travel without spin, slowing it against the oncoming air. Follow through as you do when throwing your fastball.
Circle Change
Step 1
Hold the softball deep in the palm of your hand with your fingers and thumb around the ball. Touch the tip of your index finger to your thumb to form a circle on that side of the ball. The other fingers stabilize the softball in your hand during your windup.
Step 2
Take your starting position and plan to use the same arm rotation and footwork as your fastball. Start your windup.
Step 3
Rotate your hand inward as you start the downward arc. Point the center of the circle made with your index finger and thumb at the catcher’s mitt as you deliver the ball. The slower speed is created as your other fingers slip off the softball.
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