Peel drop

A FB and Peel can be the same thing.

Since the keys to a drop are speed and spin, some feel an I/R release is better, even though they can't actually see the fingers impart the 12/6 (or close to) spin. Some feel the because a hand follows through palm down that it must be a roll over drop.

The result is what's most important. How a kid finds the spin and gains successs is somewhat subjective. I believe a kid who can get 12/6 spin naturally with a loose whip has little more to work than hitting her spots and mixing in the pitch with her other tools effectively. For kids that struggle to get 12/6 spin, there's various cues she can play with to find one that works.

Some feel a peel is only a peel if the fingers are seen behind the ball through release. The follow through for this might look like fingers upward. There's no doubt that a cue of palm-through release gets us that spin, but it's important to know that there's a trade off in spin/speed. Many report that this method is a little slower and has a lower spin rate, however, because it has more time for gravity to work, it does get a result. Maybe an off-speed drop to add to the tool box.

Others try one of the "rollover" cues to get 12/6 (or close) spin. Again, there are similar opinions that this feel resuts in a slightly slower speed and spin, but again gets a result that (when used tactically,) can be effective.

The bottom line is to find a cue that works for her and work on it. When time allows, try out others. Exploring multiple ways to get a result strengthens awareness, coordination and the ability to self-assess and correct.

SoGASoftball said:

Is there any difference in a fastball and a peel drop? Just more spin equals more drop?

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According to Hillhouse, a four-seam fastball is essentially the peel drop just released a fraction sooner than the fastball release. Throw the fastball low in the zone, and work on increasing spin and velocity and you will have yourself a drop ball. Do NOT do anything else different, for example getting your upper body over your front leg to try and manipulate the "drop". The mechanics for every pitch should look identical.

I'm not completely sold on Hillhouse's take on the weight distribution on the drop. I think I saw Cat Osterman advocating more weight forward on the drop, not a huge amount just a little more weight shift on the front vs. the back. I don't know the correct answer. I'd love to hear more on the where the weight should be on the drop.

I've wondered if the weight forward instruction is a cue that results in a slightly forward spine tilt?

JJsqueeze said:

I'm not completely sold on Hillhouse's take on the weight distribution on the drop. I think I saw Cat Osterman advocating more weight forward on the drop, not a huge amount just a little more weight shift on the front vs. the back. I don't know the correct answer. I'd love to hear more on the where the weight should be on the drop.

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From BH's perspective, he tries to teach elite pitching where the elite hitters you face would recognize the different body movements for different pitches (e,g. jumping to the left to throw the screwball to the right). He is a big proponent of keeping everything the same, let the arm whip and grip do the heavy lifting and finish every pitch the same. He is a master of having his riseball, change-up, and drop ball mechanics all look the same from the batters perspective. I think this is the ideal that pitchers should strive for.

I get the reasoning. I am just not sold that for the dropball that shifting a little weight forward is going to be picked up by a hitter and does not help spin. I'm not saying I believe one way or another, just that my jury is out. I'd like to hear from the other gurus on this point s I don't recall BMs, JSs, RPs, etc opinion on this. BH is great and I buy into much of what he teaches but this point and brush interference are two areas where I may agree more with some other experts.

Rocketech1 said:

From BH's perspective, he tries to teach elite pitching where the elite hitters you face would recognize the different body movements for different pitches (e,g. jumping to the left to throw the screwball to the right). He is a big proponent of keeping everything the same, let the arm whip and grip do the heavy lifting and finish every pitch the same. He is a master of having his riseball, change-up, and drop ball mechanics all look the same from the batters perspective. I think this is the ideal that pitchers should strive for.

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I get this and think this is a great idea. I also don't have any problem with pitchers using slightly different body angles to achieve better results. I make sure all my pitchers can move all their breaking pitches around the plate and throw it off speed. For the screwball for instance, I get them to jump out and also use a fastball release for a fastball on the outside black. I've had several pitchers use this for a strikeout pitch after throwing numerous screwballs to the same batter.
If a pitcher is making slight movements with every pitch but still moving the pitch around the plate and changing speeds I see this as just as effective if not more effective(for girls) than just maintaining the same mechanics for every pitch. You've gone from just watching spin, to watching body + spin.

JJsqueeze said:

I get the reasoning. I am just not sold that for the dropball that shifting a little weight forward is going to be picked up by a hitter and does not help spin. I'm not saying I believe one way or another, just that my jury is out. I'd like to hear from the other gurus on this point s I don't recall BMs, JSs, RPs, etc opinion on this. BH is great and I buy into much of what he teaches but this point and brush interference are two areas where I may agree more with some other experts.

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My DD threw her drop with her weight back. Not going to say it was a great pitch, because it was just mediocre. She never even threw it till college and then just every now and then. Could it have been better weight forward? I don't know, we could never get her weight forward to find out.

Rick Pauley teaches the spinal alignment should be approx 10° behind vertical on rise balls and almost plumb or straight up on drop balls. Not so much for weight distribution but for release angles.

The one thing that is of most importance to the Peel... JMHO is getting the axis... established... with the pinky & thumb.