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How To Master Changeups & Splitters | Pitch Design Discussion

September 29, 2025 · 40 min

Show notes

Why do some changeups miss bats at the highest levels while others get hammered?

In this episode, Tyler Zombro sits down with Ryan Flippo and Leif Strom to break down what makes elite changeups work, from velocity separation to vertical attack angle.

We cover:🔹 Why vertical separation and VAA often matter more than raw movement🔹 Front-to-back velocity differential vs. angle manipulation for high-slot arms🔹 The kick change -- when it plays, when it doesn’t, and how to cue it🔹 Pronator vs. supinator grips and cues🔹 Splitter vs. changeup: trade-offs, finger dominance, and consistency concerns🔹 Common pitfalls like “pushy” catch-play changeups and slot deviations🔹 Practical starting points for remote athletes without advanced tech

If you’re chasing a reliable offspeed pitch, this episode will give you a framework to evaluate your changeup, simple grip adjustments to try, and actionable cues that carry into real games.

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