Throwing a Circle Change

How to throw a change-up? One of the easiest change-ups to throw is what's known as a "Circle Change". But how do you really make it work? What are the finer points of making this pitch consistent?

Setting up the change:

1. Pick up the softball so all fingers are on the ball
2. Spread out your thumb and pointer finger so they are following the biggest stretch of seam to create a backwards "C"
   
3. Palm this pitch; really dig in the middle joint on your thumb and pointer finger.
4. As you release this change-up, just release with the palm facing the target, without snap or spin.
   

How to make this pitch really work...... Pointers:

• Watch the video :-)
• As you enter the point of release, squeeze your butt cheeks and quad muscles, at the same time, almost paralyze your fingers as you release the ball.
• If you need to take more speed off the ball, try tucking in your first finger or your middle finger
• A common misconception is to lean far down to throw this pitch - MISCONCEPTION!! MISTAKE!! Stand straight up as you release this pitch, because you want it to come from your hip and float in... so it is even more important to finish "tall" for your Circle Change.
• You should fall backwards with the release of this pitch, rather than forwards (like your fastball).

(9th grader throwing a Circle Change indoors at B2B)