PITCHING Mechanics Rise Ball Drop Ball Change Up Curve Speed Control

THE CHANGE-UP OR OFF-SPEED By: Bill Hudson The change-up or off-speed pitch is a very effective pitch when used at the right time. The pitch is much more effective against an aggressive or hard swinging team vs. A weaker team that tends to swing late on most pitches. Following is a list of some change-ups: · Grip the ball in the "horseshoe" area of the ball. The fingers are removed from the ball by the right leg with the heel of the hand touching the ball last; pushing it towards the plate. · Lock the wrist at the release point to reduce speed. · Remove index and middle fingers from the ball and let ball roll off end of these fingers. The will create an off-speed drop. · Back hand release: Same mechanics as the fast ball except the wrist is backward at the release point. There are many variations of the back hand change. My favorite is to have the wrist turned backwards at the release point with the fingers curled and firm (like a cat's claws). This imparts a backspin on the ball and slows the pitch. One reason I like this pitch is that the pitch is thrown with as much energy as the fast ball and tends to make the batters commit early. · Knuckle ball: The knuckle ball is a very effective pitch which is generally thrown harder than the change-up. A. Use two or three fingertips on the ball or you can use the knuckles on the ball. B. The wrist and arm are stiff at release. C. The last thing to touch the ball is the finger tips or the knuckles (if you use the knuckle grip) pushing the ball towards the plate. D. Some pitchers find it easier to pull the arm and wrist against the right leg and stopping at the point of release.