Help with the Drop

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javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
shaker,

Take a look through this post... and let me know your thoughts on how your Chloe is doing (my DD is a Chloe, too...). Would love to discuss it further once I have your thoughts/insight.

Best, ~Java
 

shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket
shaker,

Take a look through this post... and let me know your thoughts on how your Chloe is doing (my DD is a Chloe, too...). Would love to discuss it further once I have your thoughts/insight.

Best, ~Java
Hey java, thanks for posting, couple of things I'm current trying to stress is being more vertical at release with lots of resistance, I'm no pitcher, but when I try to throw anything with spin it seems kinda natural to really firm up at release, and for her to really pull on the ball, almost a feeling of pulling straight over top of the ball. After slowing her video down, she could definitely get under the ball more which would help a bunch.
 

shaker1

Softball Junkie
Dec 4, 2014
894
18
On a bucket
Would like see a clip that shows the ball all the way to the glove :confused:

That's the only view I had 2day, just us 2 out there. Had the phone set on a bucket. If the weather holds up, we'll go back out 2moro. Not alot of drop on the ball, occasionally she throw one that the bottom just falls out of it, so I know she has it in her.
 
Last edited:
Jan 4, 2012
3,852
38
OH-IO
That's the only view I had 2day, just us 2 out there. Had the phone set on a bucket. If the weather holds up, we'll go back out 2moro. Not alot of drop on the ball, occasionally she throw one that the bottom just falls out of it, so I know she has it in her.

Here is a clip I got from a game... Its the angle that most televised games used. She finishes the batter with her drop.

<video width="512" height="288" controls="controls">
<source src="https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/58923514/Pitching/Timed%20P%26S_HB.mp4" type="video/mp4" />
</video>
 

javasource

6-4-3 = 2
May 6, 2013
1,347
48
Western NY
Hey java, thanks for posting, couple of things I'm current trying to stress is being more vertical at release with lots of resistance, I'm no pitcher, but when I try to throw anything with spin it seems kinda natural to really firm up at release, and for her to really pull on the ball, almost a feeling of pulling straight over top of the ball. After slowing her video down, she could definitely get under the ball more which would help a bunch.

You are on the right train of thought, my friend. Posture sets trajectory... the number one component on this pitch, IMO.

As far as resistance... it's all about properly timed resistance... and it really helps to think of sliding into the front side... rather than staying behind it... or as many kids will often do... around it.

I stole a page from Sluggers book a while ago, and really worked on kids finishing on one foot. For extreme back posture... I'd ask them to finish in a position where they could comfortably walk out of the pitch... IOW, can you take a normal step forward. Then... can you post without falling.

As far as pulling on the ball... I might suggest that you think instead of lengthening the lever created at the elbow (via relaxation) so that the arm can better pronate around the rear leg. I use the dead stops as an illustration of the intended movement... and then ask them to keep their arm into their body more than other pitches... like a feeling that the elbow is positioned into the "rear" ribs. This will maximize their brush and quicken the pronation reflex, allowing them to get their hand up the back of the ball.

Be sure the thumb is opposite the middle finger...
Be sure that the thumb gets forward AND down... I ask them to position the thumb above the seem, rather than on or over it... helps take the cup out of the wrist that many young whipper snappers usually exhibit.

As far as under... play around with the thumb as suggested above... and ask yourself if it's better to think of under or... behind the ball? Under almost always kills the intended spin... behind is your friend.

1) Posture
2) Arms in tight
3) oh yeah... might help to raise the right hip a bit, being sure to maintain a connected upper/lower body.
 
Sep 29, 2008
1,401
63
Northeast Ohio
From my experience one thing to understand is if you release the ball in an upward trajectory the right spin will not make it drop the way to want. The flatter the trajectory the more likely gravity and spin will win and the ball will drop. One way trajectory is flatter is by releasing the ball earlier (this may be one of the secrets to the turnover drop)It causes an earlier release and flatter trajectory.

I think your dd may be releasing a bit late in the circle and throwing uphill. That makes it harder for gravity to win and give you a good drop.
 
Jan 4, 2012
3,852
38
OH-IO
Here's one from today. Still alot of work to do.

Nice... she's got it dropping real nice !!! :cool:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8DIbBRz22O4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Here's another filming/editing idea. The green box is a guessed 4' in front of plate. White square straight up from front of plate

OTTD_3.gif
 
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