Part 5/8:
- Combination Terms: As pitchers use movements between these categories, terms like “slurve” arise, which encompass pitches that don’t fit neatly into one definition. Here, calling any breaking pitch a “breaking ball” will suffice in conversations.
Off-Speed Pitches: The Element of Surprise
Off-speed pitches create opportunities for deception against batters. While any pitch not classified as a fastball can be termed an off-speed pitch, two significant types were emphasized:
- Changeup: This pitch looks like a fastball but arrives at a significantly lower velocity (usually 8 to 15 mph slower), creating confusion for the batter. Its design is to trick hitters into swinging early.