Change of Speeds
Also known as: speed variation, changing speeds
Change of speeds means deliberately varying velocity, not just pitch type, to disrupt a hitter's timing. Usually a changeup is mixed with full-speed pitches.
Hitters calibrate their swing timing to the velocity they see most often in an at-bat. The essence of the changeup is identical arm speed and delivery mechanics with a meaningfully slower pitch. A pitcher who can do that exploits the hitter's calibration directly, causing hitters to swing well before the ball arrives. Change of speeds extends beyond just the changeup, though. Subtle velocity variation across fastballs falls under the same strategic umbrella. So does intentionally speeding up and slowing down a movement pitch's effective velocity through location and setup.
Track not just changeup usage but velocity variance across your entire fastball population. A few miles per hour of controlled variation within the "same" pitch adds a layer of deception hitters rarely account for.
Example
After two fastballs at full velocity, the pitcher throws an identical-looking changeup ten miles per hour slower, and the hitter's swing is well out in front of the ball.
Why it matters
Velocity alone does not win at-bats. The contrast between speeds is often what actually generates the swing-and-miss. That is why even hard throwers need a change of speeds.
How it shows up on video
Compare arm speed and delivery tempo across pitches of different velocities — effective change of speeds shows identical arm mechanics with only the release producing the speed difference, while poor change of speeds shows visibly slower arm action that tips the pitch.
Common mistakes
- Slowing the arm circle itself to take speed off the pitch, which telegraphs the change before release
- Using the same off-speed pitch so predictably that hitters simply wait for it
- Failing to locate off-speed pitches, leaving hittable pitches out over the plate because velocity alone was expected to fool the hitter
In SwingVantage Motion Lab
Motion Lab reads your arm circle on each clip, but it does not time your delivery, know which pitch you threw or measure ball speed. Film fast and off-speed pitches from the same spot and compare the arm action.
Frequently asked questions
Is change of speeds the same thing as throwing a changeup?
The changeup is one tool for it. But change of speeds also includes velocity variation across other pitch types and locations to keep hitters off a single timing rhythm.
Related terms
- ChangeupA changeup is an off-speed pitch thrown with the fastball's windmill motion but 10-20 mph slower. It disrupts timing, so hitters swing ahead of the ball.
- Pitch SequencingPitch sequencing is the deliberate ordering of pitches across an at-bat — using pitch type, speed, location, and movement to set up and exploit a hitter's reactions.
- Adjusting to Speed ChangesAdjusting to speed changes means retiming your load and swing when a slower pitch follows fast ones. It avoids being "way out in front" of a changeup.
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