Pitching Drill: Change-Up Catch (Baseball & Softball)
Pitching drill focusing on throwing change-ups with same arm speed and mechanics as fastballs, developing deception.

How to Run This Drill
- 1 partner on left/right field foul line, 1 partner 40 feet away in left/right field
- Receiving partner catches down in catchers position
- Throwing partner goes through full pitching motion to throw a change-up
- Throwing partner focuses on keeping arm speed the same as it would be for a fastball, mechanics should stay the same (grip for change-up depends on the pitcher)
- If partners are both pitchers, switch after 10 throws
Coaching Points
- Same arm speed as fastball - this is critical
- Same mechanics - only grip changes
- Use your preferred change-up grip
- Deception comes from arm speed
- Should look like fastball until release
- Practice this daily with your fastball
Quick Actions
At a Glance
Equipment Needed
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