A changeup in softball is a type of pitch that is thrown with less velocity than a fastball, but with more movement. It is designed to deceive the batter by causing them to swing at a pitch that appears to be going straight, but then drops or curves at the last moment. Changeups are an important part of a pitcher’s arsenal, as they can keep batters off balance and prevent them from timing their swings.
There are two main types of changeups: the circle changeup and the palmball. The circle changeup is thrown with a circular motion of the hand, while the palmball is thrown with the palm of the hand facing down. Both types of changeups can be effective, but the circle changeup is generally considered to be more difficult to master.