off-speed pitch

Friendly

Explanation of "Off-Speed Pitch"

Definition:
An "off-speed pitch" is a term used in baseball. It refers to a type of pitch (throw) that is thrown with less speed than a fastball. A pitcher uses an off-speed pitch to confuse the batter, especially when the batter is expecting a fast and powerful pitch.

Usage Instructions:

• When to Use: You can use "off-speed pitch" when talking about baseball strategies, discussing a game, or describing how a pitcher can trick a batter.
• How to Use in a Sentence:
  • "The pitcher threw an off-speed pitch, and the batter swung too early."

Example:

• "During the game, the pitcher mixed his fastballs with off-speed pitches to keep the hitters guessing."

Advanced Usage:

• In advanced discussions, you might talk about different types of off-speed pitches, such as change-ups or curveballs, which are specific kinds of pitches that are slower than fastballs.

Word Variants:

• Noun: "off-speed pitch"
• Adjective: "off-speed" (e.g., "off-speed delivery")
• Related Terms: "fastball" (the opposite of an off-speed pitch)

Different Meaning:

The term "off-speed" can also be used outside of baseball to describe anything that is slower than expected. For example, in conversation, if someone is performing a task slower than usual, you might say, "He is working at an off-speed pace today."

Synonyms:

• Slow pitch
• Change-up (a specific type of off-speed pitch)
• Curveball (another type of off-speed pitch)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While there are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "off-speed pitch," in baseball and sports contexts, you might hear phrases like: - "Change it up" (meaning to vary your approach, similar to using off-speed pitches to keep opponents guessing). - "Keep them on their toes" (meaning to keep someone alert and ready for anything, like a pitcher does with off-speed pitches).

Academic

Noun

1. a baseball thrown with little velocity when the batter is expecting a fastball

Synonyms

• change-up
• change-of-pace
• change-of-pace ball