Pitching Drill: Change-Up Catch (Baseball & Softball)

Pitching drill focusing on throwing change-ups with same arm speed and mechanics as fastballs, developing deception.

Change-Up Catch - Video Demonstration

How to Run This Drill

  1. 1 partner on left/right field foul line, 1 partner 40 feet away in left/right field
  2. Receiving partner catches down in catchers position
  3. Throwing partner goes through full pitching motion to throw a change-up
  4. 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)
  5. 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

Categories
Pitching
Focus Areas
Grip DesignCommand
Age Groups
11-1213-1415-1617-1818+9-10
Players
2-20 players
Difficulty
intermediate
Equipment Needed
  • baseballs or softballs

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