How to throw a volcan pitch
The Vulcan pitch is a lesser known type of change-up. It is gripped similarly to a circle change-up but with a change in hand placement and more emphasis on separating your middle and ring fingers. Eric Gagne is well known for his use of the Vulcan change-up. This pitch is named after its resemblance to the "Vulcan" sign from the television show "Star Trek."
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Instructions
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How to Grip It
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1
In your non-throwing hand hold the ball so you are looking at an upside down horseshoe section, then tilt the ball slightly towards your thumb.
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2
Place the ring and middle fingers of your throwing hand across the seams of the ball on the side facing away from your body.
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3
Place your pinkie finger on the side of the ball with your thumb running along the opposite seam and your index finger curled slightly over the tip of your thumb.
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4
The ball should fit tightly in between your fingers and appear as if it is leaning back into the palm of your hand.
How to Throw It.
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5
Throw the Vulcan change-up with fastball arm speed but rotate your arm slightly as you would with a curveball to add some downward movement.
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6
When you release the pitch you want the "V" formed from the separation of your middle and ring finger to point directly at the catcher.
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7
After releasing the pitch you should follow through just as you would if you were throwing a fastball.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Remember that the key to any good change-up is not deviating from your fastball arm speed. Let the grip do the work.
The grip may be harder for those with smaller hands. If this is the case and you struggle to grip the Vulcan change properly, switch to another variation such as the circle change.
