Pitching has always been a game of deception. From the earliest days of baseball, pitchers have sought ways to upset a hitter’s timing, mask their intentions, and keep lineups guessing. While fastballs and breaking balls often get the spotlight, the changeup has always been a pitcher’s quiet equalizer. Among the lesser-known but fascinating variations is the Kick Change—a pitch that combines classic off-speed deception with an added layer of physical trickery. Though not widely thrown at the professional level, it has found a niche among pitchers looking to keep hitters completely off balance.
A Brief History of the Kick Change
The roots of the Kick Change can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when experimentation with off-speed pitches was at its peak. Traditional changeups—the straight change, circle change, and palm ball—were already staples, but pitchers tinkered with delivery mechanics to add new wrinkles. The Kick Change emerged as one of those experiments, relying not only on grip and arm action but also on a subtle leg movement designed to sell the fastball.
Unlike most pitches where the deception comes from the arm slot or grip, the Kick Change incorporates a deliberate variation in the stride leg or follow-through “kick.” By altering the lower-body rhythm, pitchers gave hitters a visual cue suggesting maximum effort. When combined with a slower velocity, it amplified the disruption of timing. While not common in Major League Baseball, the pitch gained some regional popularity in semi-pro circuits, independent leagues, and among creative high school and college pitchers in the 1970s and 1980s. Coaches often discouraged it because of the risk of tipping mechanics, but crafty pitchers continued to experiment.
Why the Kick Change Works
The Kick Change’s effectiveness lies in two key elements: disguise and rhythm disruption.
- Disguise
Most off-speed pitches rely on maintaining the same arm speed as a fastball. The Kick Change doubles down by also manipulating the stride leg. A slightly exaggerated kick can trick hitters into thinking more power is coming, when in fact the ball is traveling 8–12 mph slower than the pitcher’s heater. Hitters reading body language as well as release point are thrown completely off. - Rhythm Disruption
Baseball is a sport of timing. Hitters lock onto not only pitch speed but also the pitcher’s delivery cadence. By altering the lower body rhythm—making the stride leg hang a fraction longer, then snapping forward—pitchers can subtly shift a hitter’s internal clock. This variation makes the already slower changeup even more deceptive.
Because of this dual-layer trickery, the Kick Change is especially useful in situations where a hitter is looking to jump on a fastball: two-strike counts, late innings, or after a pitcher has established velocity early in the game.
How to Throw the Kick Change
Executing the Kick Change requires finesse and repetition. It’s not a pitch to learn overnight, but with careful mechanics it can become a devastating tool. Here’s a breakdown:
- Grip
Most pitchers use a circle change grip or three-finger change as the foundation. The ball rests deeper in the hand, with less fingertip pressure, allowing for reduced velocity while maintaining fastball arm speed. - Arm Action
The golden rule remains: throw it with fastball intent. The arm speed and slot should mirror your heater to avoid tipping off the hitter. Any noticeable slowing of the arm will ruin the deception. - The “Kick” Mechanic
This is where the pitch earns its name. As you stride forward, exaggerate the lift or pause of the front leg slightly longer than usual. Some pitchers incorporate a more pronounced follow-through kick of the back leg after release. The goal is to make the delivery look more aggressive—convincing the hitter of velocity—while the grip ensures the ball arrives slower. - Release and Spin
The release should be smooth, letting the grip take care of the speed reduction. A slight pronation (turning the palm outward) at release can add fade, similar to a circle change. - Practice and Control
The biggest challenge is repeating the delivery without losing balance or telegraphing the pitch. Too much exaggeration in the kick can alert hitters or throw off your own rhythm. The key is subtlety—enough to influence timing but not so much that it looks unnatural.
When to Use the Kick Change
The Kick Change isn’t an every-at-bat pitch—it’s a specialty weapon. Pitchers often deploy it:
- Ahead in the count (0-2, 1-2): A perfect put-away pitch when hitters are defensive and looking to protect against the fastball.
- Against aggressive hitters: Batters who jump on velocity are particularly vulnerable.
- In late innings: When hitters have timed up the pitcher’s fastball, the Kick Change can reestablish doubt.
- With runners on base: Though risky if poorly executed, a well-timed Kick Change can induce a weak ground ball double play.
Bottom of the Ninth
The Kick Change may not be a mainstream pitch, but it embodies the creativity and craft that make pitching an art form. While velocity dominates modern baseball, pitchers who can disrupt timing still hold a powerful advantage. The Kick Change, with its unique blend of off-speed deception and delivery trickery, offers a refreshing reminder that the best weapon on the mound isn’t always speed—it’s surprise.
For pitchers looking to expand their arsenal and keep hitters off balance, the Kick Change is worth exploring. Like all great pitches, it thrives not on brute force, but on finesse, repetition, and the courage to experiment.