How do I increase spin rate?

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Sep 19, 2013
420
0
Texas
Hello DFP.

Just wanted to know what we can do to increase spin rate. Any drills or tricks?

I am think about buying a Revfire.

Thanks.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Not sure this is the answer you're hoping for, but some of my thoughts:
-Improve whip
-Improve axis
-Experiment
-Use your super spinrate bucket vision
-Buy the Revfire to double check.

I think the Revfire is a great tool in addition to your eyes and feedback. When she tries something that makes you raise a brow, ask her about it. Tell her what you saw. Break out the Revfire and compare the differences.

Btw, if you happen to get a 2fer1 deal, keep me in mind! I love toys!


Ken
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
  • As BoardMember recommended for your DD, stay open longer and keep that palm up... to and through 9 o'clock.
  • Check 'C's' grip from time to time... making sure that thumb is working to an 'opposite the middle finger position'... as her growth allows.
  • Although your DD's timing and drive are pretty decent... settling for average is never an option. Work on making that drive more powerful... and more explosive. The more energy we build... the more we can chain to the ball.
  • If you're not using a finger, tuck it out of the way.
  • Pitching requires dexterity... but also a great deal of forearm/wrist strength. Work on building this strength, it'll translate to better hitting, too. Wrist rolls, gyro balls, rice bucket twists, etc...
  • Once her mechanics allow, work in some dead-stops (do a search on here for more info).
  • Core strength. Might sound odd, but control of the core leads to more efficient movements in our extremities.
  • Long fingers really help. Buy a finger stretcher... and change the setting to: "Wilt Chamberlain". ;)
 
Last edited:
Sep 19, 2013
420
0
Texas
[*]Long fingers really help. Buy a finger stretcher... and change the setting to: "Wilt Chamberlain". ;

Ken! That is a no brainer! Very funny Java!!!! Do you know if I can upgrade and also get the leg stretcher?

Lmao!!!! Thanks guys!!! It put a smile on my face!
 
Sep 19, 2013
420
0
Texas
Java, Rice bucket twists? What is that?

"making sure that thumb is working to an 'opposite the middle finger position' Wow! I did not that this would help on the spin! I will have to check her grip.

I did search DFP. One poster said:

"FIrst thing we did when we wanted increaded spin was to work on our grip. By splitting her fingers a little wider on the ball, she was able to get more finger pressure on the ball. By getting the ball out further in her hand it gave more spin. Her spin pitches all have the exact same grips. She uses two fingers together split grips. Like Mr Spock type grip. She just holds the seem on different sides. Hope I am explaining it correctly."

Am I reading that correctly? Is he saying this because his daughter has small hands or is younger? The split fingers is interesting. Isn't less fingers better?

Dead-stops?

We are still working on the 2 step. I will have to video and see what you think. I think she still needs more lean on the drive leg. WE call it the Jackie Traina 2 step.

Thanks!
 
Aug 29, 2011
2,581
83
NorCal
76176899_xxl.jpg


Get a set of these, use them while watching TV. Great for improving finger/wrist strength.
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
Java, Rice bucket twists? What is that?

Fill a 5 gallon bucket with rice and have her twist in a screw-like fashion to the bottom of it. Rinse and repeat.

"making sure that thumb is working to an 'opposite the middle finger position' Wow! I did not that this would help on the spin! I will have to check her grip.

I did search DFP. One poster said:

"FIrst thing we did when we wanted increaded spin was to work on our grip. By splitting her fingers a little wider on the ball, she was able to get more finger pressure on the ball. By getting the ball out further in her hand it gave more spin. Her spin pitches all have the exact same grips. She uses two fingers together split grips. Like Mr Spock type grip. She just holds the seem on different sides. Hope I am explaining it correctly."

Am I reading that correctly? Is he saying this because his daughter has small hands or is younger? The split fingers is interesting. Isn't less fingers better?

Knowing the size of your DD's hands... I assume she would have a difficult time using only 2. I included this for the purpose of spin axis... regarding the thumb. I use 2... but I also have very large hands. Less is more... but gripping the ball with control is just as important.

Dead-stops?
Read this... and there's a video example on page 5, too.
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
Again you are going to find it difficult to get young kids to smack themselves in the side to learn spin, when they are not done learning control and consistency with the basic pitches. (Let's differentiate spin on fb from other pitches, too.) RP's stuff is for advanced pitchers. His DD is an advance pitcher. Hand grippers and all that are not going to work either. (I remember being that age and someone saying go lift weights or do these exercises. No, I want to go outside and do my sport.)

This stuff has to translate to young kids, who are often 10,11,12. There are throw it to yourself drills and drills with the ball on the stick and the double ball (a little older and stronger) that work much better at that age.

This is where coaches and pitching coaches see things differently. Coaches want locators, then burners. PC's want burners, then locators. This contrast puts the parent in the middle, and sadly... impatience often wins. It becomes a fiasco between three adults... when the focus should remain on developing the kid.

As it's all opinion... I'll toss out mine:

I've zero interest in teaching students to become great rec league pitchers.
I recognized a long time ago, that 10-12 year old athletes are much more capable - in both interest and ability - than adults give them credit for... which is why I am successful with those that I work with.
Greatness is reserved for those that aspire to do more than just participate or 'play'.

I actually work with quite a few athletes in this age range...
... and WORK ETHIC is learned. Just going out and playing is not good enough. Far too many athletes never develop the discipline necessary to develop the mechanics, strength, conditioning, and general wellness that ARE REQUIRED in HIGH-LEVEL pitching because they discover that need... too late in their development. Motivating a teenager is tough enough as is... but becomes doable if they have a good work ethic instilled at an early age.

The same goes for speed... too many coaches ruin or seriously impede the development of pitchers because they are too damn worried about the Win-Loss record of their 10 and 12U clubs (same goes for Modified and JV programs)... and putting the ball over the plate. Too many kids play softball year round... and wonder why Suzie has a hard time adding speed to her pitch after throwing 10,000 repetitions of "just throw strikes". There is a serious need for an off-season... playing ball year round -or "going outside to do my sport" is, IMO, a bad decision... and one that creates the most setbacks in those I work with still trying to master the fundamentals.

Sorry for the little rant... ;)

Lastly, the OP's DD is not 10. She has a decent grasp of the fundamentals we teach... and a killer work ethic. I know this and know them... and made suggestions specific to her current ability... and most importantly, her great work ethic.

I discovered a while ago that a ball on a stick is useless... and hope that you arrive at a similar conclusion... especially with your recent interest in holding seminars and clinics.

Cordially,
JS
 

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