How-To Use The Changeup Circle®
Our patented design gives immediate feedback to the thrower. Watch the how-to video below to get started throwing better changeups!
How To Implement The Changeup Circle®
You will first need to familiarize yourself with the product to understand some fundamentals. These include learning the differences between being outside the ball, or supinated, by seeing the X on the Changeup Circle® during the throw (improper throw) and throwing on a tilted axis by releasing early into pronation (proper throw for the changeup pitch). You will also need to learn to stay behind the ball with flat flight path.
Start with catch play to get the feel of the Changeup Circle® using the 5oz model to see and develop the proper feel and flight of the device.
Once you have seen the proper flight and started to develop the right feel, move to an 8oz or 10oz model and create that same feel and flight. From there, alternate between the weighted Changeup Circle® and a baseball. Continue to create the feel and flight, alternating between the Changeup Circle® and a baseball. At this point, You should start to see some changes in the flight of the ball. The 10oz Green Changeup Circle® is recommended for ages 14 and up and is a good weight for developing proper technique for older players.
Instructional Videos
Check out the videos below to learn more about proper throwing techniques and how to create the proper feel.
Releasing Early Into Pronation - Left Handed
Now, for the proper flight for the changeup pitch with the Changeup Circle®, the flight of the Changeup Circle will be a little different. You need to get the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis in flight with no wobble, feeling that through the middle & ring fingers. This is referred to as releasing early into pronation.
Related Videos
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Releasing Early Into Pronation - Left Handed
Now, for the proper flight for the changeup pitch with the Changeup Circle®, the flight of the Changeup Circle will be a little different. You need to get the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis in flight with no wobble, feeling that through the middle & ring fingers. This is referred to as releasing early into pronation.
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Releasing Early Into Pronation - Right Handed
Now, for the proper flight for the changeup pitch with the Changeup Circle®, the flight of the Changeup Circle will be a little different. You need to get the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis in flight with no wobble, feeling that through the middle & ring fingers. This is referred to as releasing early into pronation.
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5oz Model Proper Throw
When moving from the mound, pitchers may work up to full speed with the 5oz Changeup Circle®. Remember to understand the concept of getting the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis by releasing early into pronation for the Changeup.
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5oz Model Supinated Throw (Needs Work)
When moving from the mound, pitchers may work up to full speed with the 5oz Changeup Circle®. Remember to understand the concept of getting the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis by releasing early into pronation for the Changeup.
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Creating The Proper Feel
When using the weighted Changeup Circles from the mound, again, you do not need to throw them at full speed, we suggest up to a max of 65%. The goal here is to throw a few weighted tosses in your pitching motion, in a nice and easy motion on a tilted axis, releasing early into pronation with no wobble. Once you have your throw down, you can alternate between a weighted Changeup Circle and a baseball.
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Roll The Ball Over
When throwing the baseball, we use the phrase “roll the ball over” or “roll over the ball.” This refers to using the middle and ring fingers. Our recommendation is to maintain a loose grip off the palm, pointer finger and thumb in circle and pinky opposite the ball as guides.
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5oz Changeup Circle®
Release early into pronation.
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Horizontal Run
Release early into pronation.
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Vertical Drop
Release later into pronation.
Technique and Fundamentals
Stay Behind The Ball
The Changeup Circle® is designed to correct that tendency by teaching players to use wrist flexion upon release—properly sequencing the kinetic chain for maximum throw control with the minimum resistance and injury risk. This device will prevent players from "throwing outside the ball".
Release Early Into Pronation
You need to get the Changeup Circle® on a tilted axis in flight with no wobble, feeling that through the middle & ring fingers. This is referred to as releasing early into pronation. When properly thrown, pitchers should see a smooth, flat flight with no wobble.
Throwing The Perfect Changeup
The Changeup Circle® helps pitchers understand the changeup pitch, both in grip and feel. As they released the Changeup Circle® and then put a baseball in their hand, they saw results and the differences between the fastball and the changeup both in speed and ball flight and trajectory.
Arm Care
The Changeup Circle® helps players develop proper throwing mechanics, promoting arm care, and aiding in success on the mound and in the field. With that said, we recommend that all players have a proper warmup and agility program. Along with that, there should be a proper stretching series for flexibility in the sport.
Coaching Points
Check out the videos below to learn more about the Changeup Circle® and how it can help your athlete become a better pitcher.
Why Use The Weighted Changeup Circle®?
Coach Joe explains how immediate feedback from the Changeup Circle® helps you throw better Changeups.
Related Videos
Now Playing:
1:27
Why Use The Weighted Changeup Circle®?
Coach Joe explains how immediate feedback from the Changeup Circle® helps you throw better Changeups.
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Models & Weights
Coach Joe explains how weighted progression gives you a better feel for the pitch.
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"Outside the Ball" & Wrist Flexion Drill
Coach Joe explains how to stay behind the ball to release early into pronation.
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Alternating Between Weighted & A Baseball Creating The Feel
Coach Joe explains how alternating between the Changeup Circle® and a baseball creates better feel.
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Talking To Youth Coaches
Learn why the Changeup Circle is a necessity for younger athletes.
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Creating More Feel & Comfort Of The Pitch With The Weighted Changeup Circle®
Coach Joe explains how the Changeup Circle® creates muscle memory for proper grip and release.
