Adam Folkard in slo mo.... I hope this works.

Rick Pauly said:

I think this high speed video shows the spin axis quite well on Adam Folkard's dropball (first pitch) and then his riseball (second pitch).


[video]https://youtu.be/gk29pRYUsKU[/video]

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Hillhouse said:

I logged in because I was curious how many times this video has been viewed and was amazed it was only seen a whopping 5 times. LOL. The cynic in me wants to say this is another example of people not wanting to even acknowledge that men actually do play fastpitch. Mostly I was just curious how many 'complaints' there would be about his leap.

Depending on who's gun it is, Folkard has been clocked anywhere from 86-89 mph. He's probably the hardest thrower I've ever seen and the sky would literally be his limit if he had a change up. Which he does not. Although, When throwing 89mph, and winning 6 consecutive world titles, it's hard to say he needs a change up. lol. To head off the next question, I'm not sure which pitch he throws harder: rise or drop. Then again, maybe it's his "screwball" or his "backdoor curve" or maybe it's the "Crop". LOLOLOL.

Cannon, I don't know what distance he's releasing. He and I are about same height (6'2) and I'm guessing his back foot lands at 42' (men start at 46 feet). Without trying to draw comparisons to him I will tell you that in games we've pitched against each other when we both were going full throttle we land in roughly the same spots. He could keep that up longer than me, I would break down faster and not jump as far. So He probably gets out there a bit further than me without the back issues that I have. Adam doesn't have what I would call the best mechanics in the world, and it's probably part of why he's had some shoulder issues in recent years. And people are catching up to his velocity as more runs were scored off him this year than usual. That said, he's still the world #1. He's on a streak of 18 (maybe more) consecutive wins in World championship play. it will be interested how many he gets before finally taking a loss. In 1995, Hall of Famer Darren Zack went 76 2/3 consecutive scoreless innings (scoreless...earned or unearned!!!!) including shutting my team out twice in the championship and the "if" game to win the World's and send me home with my 1st of 3 2nd place trophies. Always a bridesmaid....

Bill

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Rampage said:

I have no idea why its not been viewed more but I can only say I don't care about looking at the mens fast pitch because my daughters aren't allowed to leap like that. Its simply two different set of rules. You say you wonder who would comment about the leap? Well of course we would comment on it! Girls cant do it!

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Hillhouse said:

Rampage, interesting. First of all, the point was to show the explosion of the legs to supply the power. Second it was to show how much the ball stays hidden from the batter.



It won't be long until the girls are pitching in similar fashion, I promise. The ISF has already allowed leaping for both genders and it won't be long until the NCAA and ASA update their antiquated rules to match. Hitters get $500 bats that hit missiles then pitchers need something more than 1950's rules. ISF finally realized that. Once the leap was allowed in men's FP back in the early 80's I'd say, it didn't take long for this type of pitching to evolve. Don't be surprised in 2020 when softball is back in Olympics you see girls jumping out of the circle and it will be legal by ISF rules.

And wanna know something, the ball still has to cross the plate. The players don't care. Most players would never say a word about it if they didn't hear the complaining by coaches and parents about "that girl doesn't have her back foot touching the rubber" or whatever. Players take on the attitude of the coach. PLAY BALL.


And, one final thought: ASA, ISC, NSA, etc that host men's fastpitch games do not allow crow hopping in their rule books. It's not "legal". But it's become part of the game and nobody cares. The umpires don't call it because the players do not care, they just want to play. PLAY BALL.

Bill

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Classof2020 said:

How about the name of the site is DiscussFastpitch.com not DiscussFastpitchforGirlsOnly.com. Some of us do care and enjoy amazing athletes and the possible progression of the sport. Bill if this happens we'll need you to visit the Pacific NW to teach the girls how to get this power and distance

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Hillhouse said:

Rampage, interesting. First of all, the point was to show the explosion of the legs to supply the power. Second it was to show how much the ball stays hidden from the batter.

It won't be long until the girls are pitching in similar fashion, I promise. The ISF has already allowed leaping for both genders and it won't be long until the NCAA and ASA update their antiquated rules to match. Hitters get $500 bats that hit missiles then pitchers need something more than 1950's rules. ISF finally realized that. Once the leap was allowed in men's FP back in the early 80's I'd say, it didn't take long for this type of pitching to evolve. Don't be surprised in 2020 when softball is back in Olympics you see girls jumping out of the circle and it will be legal by ISF rules.

And wanna know something, the ball still has to cross the plate. The players don't care. Most players would never say a word about it if they didn't hear the complaining by coaches and parents about "that girl doesn't have her back foot touching the rubber" or whatever. Players take on the attitude of the coach. PLAY BALL.

And, one final thought: ASA, ISC, NSA, etc that host men's fastpitch games do not allow crow hopping in their rule books. It's not "legal". But it's become part of the game and nobody cares. The umpires don't call it because the players do not care, they just want to play. PLAY BALL.

Bill

Click to expand...