Changeup - Definition and Overview

A changeup is a type of pitch in baseball. Other names include change-of-pace and simply change. It is thrown with the same motion used for the fastball, but with less speed. The changeup is sometimes called an off-speed pitch, although that term can also be used simply to mean any pitch that is slower than a fastball.

The changeup is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball; the speed difference is due to a different grip. This is intended to fool the batter into swinging before the ball arrives. A changeup also tends to break slightly in the same direction as a screwball due to the way it is commonly released.

See also

• List of pitches