pictching

Question
I want my 9 year old to learn how to throw a change-up which is the correct one for a 9 year old picher.  

Answer
Hi Anthony,

It is great that your son is developing pitches at such a young age.

The basic change-up that I teach is quite simple.  I have the pitcher make his fastball grip, then simply have him put the ball deeper into the palm. Changing nothing else. This reduces the spin off of the fingertips, effectively slowing the ball down some while using the same arm motion.

Now, with a nine year old, you may find that the reverse of this is helpful.  Most nine year olds already palm the ball out of necessity ( small hands ).  Instead, have your son try to grip the ball more with his fingertips. There will be a space between his palm and the ball.  If he can do this and still maintain control, it will serve to ADD velocity ( by increasing spin ).  This will now become his fastball, and his old style of grip will become the change-up.  

Once he gets a bit older, you can show him a circle change ( requires full coverage of the ball ).

I hope that makes sense as written.  Best of luck.

Pete