Throwing a Backhand Changeup
A backhand changeup is an off-speed pitch thrown in fastpitch softball. A changeup can be an effective pitch if thrown properly because it has less velocity than a fastball. If a batter is not expecting a slower pitch, the batter is more likely to time the swing for fastball and swing too soon. This can make the changeup a good pitch to throw when a strikeout is needed.
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Instructions
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Grip a softball using the same grip as a four-seam fastball. For this grip, the middle finger straddles a seam of the ball, the other fingers are comfortably spaced across the same seam and the thumb rests on the other seam.
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Start the pitching motion, similar to that of pitching a fastball. The arm speed should be the same as it is for a fastball. It is important to not slow down the arm speed, otherwise the batter will be more likely to detect that the pitch is a changeup.
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Turn the pitching hand around just as it approaches the hip. The back of the hand should face home plate.
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Bring the pitching arm past the hip and with the elbow locked, open the pitching hand. Release the ball off of the fingers, still keeping the same arm speed.
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Tips & Warnings
When practicing, alternate between throwing the fastball and the changeup. This can help pitchers get in the habit of keeping the arm speed the same for both pitches.
Much of the effectiveness of a changeup comes from the element of surprise. Do not throw it so often that the batter suspects that its coming, which makes the pitch much easier to hit.
References
- Olivet Nazarene University; Amanda Jensen; Pitching; Backhand Change
- "Baseball & Softball Handbook for Parents and Coaches"; Bob Swope; 2008
- "Coaching Fastpitch Softball Successfully"; Kathy J. Veroni, et al; 2006
Resources
- Photo Credit Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
