Changeup: Strike or Finish
Give the changeup two distinct jobs: land it for a usable strike or finish it below the zone after a fastball strike.
Foundation
Pitch Intent · Command
Level
L2 — Core Pair
Length
24 pitches · 16–20 min
Pitches
Fastball · Changeup
Goal: Develop two clearly different changeup intentions: a usable strike and a finishing pitch below the zone.
Warmup
Before the first pitch.
Complete a proper throwing warm-up before scoring pitches. Use full-body movement, progressive catch play, and enough mound-ramp-up pitches for the arm, fastball, and delivery to feel ready.
Warm-up throws are not included in the workout score, but they still count toward the pitcher’s total throwing workload for the day.
Coaching Focus
- Name the changeup intent before every repetition.
- Keep arm speed and delivery committed for both roles.
- Use a broad window for strike intent.
- Define a reachable chase area for finish intent.
- Do not reward a miss that fails the called role.
Set Up Your Pitch Track Session
Choose Bullpen Session. Create four markers:
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STRIKE HIT
The changeup reaches the called broad strike window.
+
FINISH HIT
The changeup reaches the called finish area below the zone.
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COMP MISS
The changeup misses the target but remains usable for its called intent.
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NONCOMP MISS
The changeup finishes outside a usable area for its called intent.
Results
Score the Session
Count changeups graded Strike Hit or Finish Hit. Score the 12 changeups only, then compare strike intent and finish intent separately.
9–12 intent hits
Great
The pitcher gave the changeup two clear, repeatable roles. Confirm whether strike and finish intent were equally reliable.
7–8 intent hits
Competitive
One or both intentions were usable but inconsistent. Identify which window needs the next focused block.
0–6 intent hits
Keep Working
The two intentions were not distinct enough yet. Widen the strike window and simplify the finish target.
Sequence
- 2 FB — Glove-Side Strikes Windup
- 2 FB — Glove-Side Strikes Stretch
- 2 CH — Broad Strike Window Windup
- 2 CH — Broad Strike Window Stretch
- 2 FB — Arm-Side Strikes Windup
- 2 FB — Arm-Side Strikes Stretch
- 2 CH — Lower Strike Window Windup
- 2 CH — Lower Strike Window Stretch
- 2 Sequences — FB Strike → CH Finish Below Windup
- 2 Sequences — FB Strike → CH Finish Below Stretch
Intent Windows
- Strike Intent: A broad, usable changeup window within the zone.
- Lower Strike: The lower portion of the established strike window.
- Finish Intent: A defined chase area immediately below the zone.
- Same Delivery: Complete both pitches in each sequence from the assigned delivery.
The changeup does not need perfect edge command. It must finish in a location that serves the called strike or finish role. Stretch-only pitchers may complete the full session from the stretch.
Development or preseason: 1–2 times per week with about 48 hours between structured mound sessions.
In season: 0–1 development bullpen per week. A game appearance or other meaningful mound session replaces it.
