Why Young Baseball Pitchers Should Learn Changeups Before Curveballs

In a previous post, I suggested that after mastering the fastball (in terms of command and velocity), the next pitch a young pitcher should learn is a changeup. There are a couple reasons that a changeup is superior to a breaking pitch.

First, a changeup puts very little strain on the arm as compared to a curve or slider. The key to a good changeup is the grip. If the ball is 15 mph slower than a regular fastball, it doesn't need to move much as the difference in velocity is likely enough to throw off a hitter.

Second, learning to change speeds is a trait that any successful pitcher needs to learn. As pitchers progress into higher levels of competition, they need to be able to differentiate the velocity of their pitches. Even in the majors, a guy can't go out to the mound and throw 99 mph for long before hitters start timing the pitches and hitting them. Many talented college and minor league pitchers struggle with changing speeds. Starting at an early age gives the pitcher an advantage over someone who continues to rely on their fastball. Then, once a pitcher becomes versed in changing speeds with a fastball/changeup repertoire, integrating a breaking pitch into the equation isn't too difficult.

Lastly, starting with a changeup also gets the pitch in the mindset of getting batters out with velocity changes, not movement changes. Changeups also help keep pitching mechanics in order as the pitcher follows the same routine as the do with their fastball, only changing the grip to reduce velocity.

Work on it!