offspeed

Offspeed refers to pitches whose velocity is notably slower than a pitcher’s fastball, with the intent of disrupting a batter’s timing. The term is most commonly used in baseball and softball to describe a category of pitches that rely on deception, movement, or both to reduce the batter’s ability to recognize and swing effectively.

Common examples of offspeed pitches include the changeup, which is thrown with the same arm action as a fastball but released at a slower speed; breaking balls such as curveballs and sliders, which mix slower velocity with significant horizontal or vertical movement; and variations like the splitter or circle change, which use grip and release differences to achieve reduced speed. Some pitchers also rely on a knuckleball, a deliberately unpredictable and very slow pitch, as an offspeed-type offering. The exact velocity gap relative to the fastball varies by pitcher, but typical offspeed deliveries are several miles per hour slower than the fastball.

Mechanically, offspeed pitches are designed to resemble a fastball in arm action to preserve the hitter’s timing until late in the pitch. Deception often comes from grip, release point, and movement rather than raw speed. Location and sequencing—mixing offspeed with fastballs in favorable counts—are key strategies for exploiting hitters’ timing.

Coaching and evaluation emphasize throwing with consistent arm speed, clean mechanics, and effective movement. Offspeed effectiveness depends on control, break, and the ability to obscure velocity from the batter.