As pitchers develop their mechanics it’s important for them to develop good fastballs. As their mechanics and fastballs improve pitchers should also work on hitting ‘spots’ and changing speeds to keep hitters off balance. When pitchers throw the ball over the same part of the plate it makes it easy for hitters to adjust and hit the ball. Pitchers that have the ability to hit ‘spots’ or vary the location of their pitches (inside, middle, outside & high, low) keep hitters guessing where the next pitch will be.
Pitchers with the ability to change speeds create timing problems for hitters. The two most common change-up grips are the Palm Ball and Circle Change. The change-up is usually held in the palm of the hand. The more skin touching the ball creates more friction and less velocity. It’s important that the change-up is thrown with the same motion, arm speed, release and follow-through as the fastball. Also, don’t over use the change-up by throwing it on every pitch or on the same count. Use the change-up in moderation to keep hitters guessing.