Hi guys,
I’ve started pitching reasonably recently and I’m comfortable with my 4-seam and 2-seam (though I’m still working on them of course) and I’d like to learn a new pitch. Stylistically, I don’t pitch hard (I prefer movement) and I’m not great at pronating (but I’m practicing).
I’d like to learn and focus on one new pitch at the moment, so fire away with your suggestions!
Thanks,
Joe
PS pictures and descriptions would be nice, as everyone pitches differently
You need a good changeup. Every pitcher needs one. May I suggest the palmball?
This was the first changeup I acquired, when I was twelve years old. It’s easy to throw and to control, because you throw it with the same motion and the same arm speed as you do the fastball. The grip is simplicity itself; you grip the ball with all four fingers on top and the thumb underneath for support, resting on a seam and just about splitting the ball in half. You hold the ball well back in the palm of your hand, hence the name—but you don’t want to grip it too tightly, because you don’t want to squeeze the juice out of it! You can throw it overhand, 3/4 or sidearm, and you can change speeds by either tightening or loosening the grip or by holding it more loosely in your hand. This is the pitch often referred to as the “Bugs Bunny” changeup, and it gives the batters no end of trouble.
My wise and wonderful pitching coach of long ago once told me that just about any pitch can be turned into a nice changeup, and he demonstrated several for me and showed me how to throw them. As you get more comfortable and more experienced you might want to experiment with one or two such. Keep me informed. 8)
If you only have fastballs, then get a breaking ball. I recommend a slider since it doesn’t have a high of risk of hurting your arm like a curveball. After you got your breaking ball down, you want to learn a changeup.
I think CG has gott it backwards. Learn the change up first. After you get a handle on the change start learning the curvee ball. There are many variations, find the best that works for you.
You’ve got it backwards from what I said. A good fastball with a good slider is an amazing combination. I never said to learn the curveball right away due to the fact that it can hurt your arm. Also, some can’t control a changeup but it’s all personal preference.
You’ve got it backwards from what I said. A good fastball with a good slider is an amazing combination. I never said to learn the curveball right away due to the fact that it can hurt your arm. Also, some can’t control a changeup but it’s all personal preference.[/quote]
Didn’t ever see age of original poster but assuming younger pitcher. Above mentioned reason not to learn change is some pitchers find difficult to control??? Seems like all the more reason to learn prior to breaking pitches. My kid started lessons at 12 years old and already threw a change (although not a very good one). Pitching coach emphised change up and spent a year until he had command. Along the way he showed him holes high on the wall & told him they came from HS pitchers trying to learn to throw a change up. He told us from the beginning he would need to have command of FB & Change before moving to breaking pitches because breaking pitches were relatively easy to teach/learn while the change is most difficult. Seems to me moving into breaking pitches and not learning change up will make you less attractive later on?
Your next pitch should be a fastball. One that is preferably 10 MPH faster than the one you throw now.
Didn’t ever see age of original poster but assuming younger pitcher. Above mentioned reason not to learn change is some pitchers find difficult to control??? Seems like all the more reason to learn prior to breaking pitches. My kid started lessons at 12 years old and already threw a change (although not a very good one). Pitching coach emphised change up and spent a year until he had command. Along the way he showed him holes high on the wall & told him they came from HS pitchers trying to learn to throw a change up. He told us from the beginning he would need to have command of FB & Change before moving to breaking pitches because breaking pitches were relatively easy to teach/learn while the change is most difficult. Seems to me moving into breaking pitches and not learning change up will make you less attractive later on?[/quote]
Well, throwing breaking balls are easier to control than a changeup. But, that’s just for me. As I said, everyone is different.
[quote=“CG24”]
Well, throwing breaking balls are easier to control than a changeup. But, that’s just for me. As I said, everyone is different.[/quote]
That was my point. Breaking balls are easier to learn/control. Why not tackle the tougher one first rather than relying on breaking pitches at a young age? Do you think you’ll need to learn a change up at some point?
[quote=“Mike4”][quote=“CG24”]
Well, throwing breaking balls are easier to control than a changeup. But, that’s just for me. As I said, everyone is different.[/quote]
That was my point. Breaking balls are easier to learn/control. Why not tackle the tougher one first rather than relying on breaking pitches at a young age? Do you think you’ll need to learn a change up at some point?[/quote]
Yes, you do need to learn a changeup at some point. You said some point implying at any time. The changeup doesn’t have to be a “must have” number two pitch. Cole Hamels learned a change as his second pitch. But, you have other guys such as Gio Gonzalez who learned a curve as their secondary pitch. Whatever they’re comfortable with. Maybe even work on both at the same time. Who knows.
I agree with Kyle, always work on your fastball, I’m willing to bet guys like Strasburg and Chapman are still trying to find ways to make there fastball better, whether it be movement or velocity. But if you really want a pitch to learn, throw a change.
[quote]You’ve got it backwards from what I said. A good fastball with a good slider is an amazing combination. I never said to learn the curveball right away due to the fact that it can hurt your arm. Also, some can’t control a changeup but it’s all personal preference.
[/quote]
How did I get it backwards? You advised to learn a breaking pitch after the fastball. I said learn the change up first and worry about breakers later.
I would say a change-up. If you can’t get it within the first two weeks, I would say a curveball. Definitely not a slider; sliders compliment a nice hard fastball well, but if you’re a movement specialist, I would suggest a nice slow 12-6 hook. Remember to stay on top, pull your midsection in, and don’t try and throw it too hard or make it “extra special”.