12" ball weight

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Apr 5, 2013
2,130
83
Back on the dirt...
We have noticed some differences in 12" ball weights lately. I put some on the scale just to see and this is what I came up with.

Old triple S 182 g
New triple S 180 g
Macgregor 197 g
New Dudley thunder heat 197 g
Old Dudley thunder heat 182 g
Old sterling (vtd ball) 197 g

We noticed with one of our pitchers if she pitched the lighter balls, she throws high consistently. Put a heavier ball in her hand and it was much better.


How much should a standard 12" ball weigh and is it normal to have this much difference in ball weight? 15-17 grams is quite a bit of difference in swinging a bat so I would think it would be big in pitching as well. Anyone else notice this?
 

JAD

Feb 20, 2012
8,231
38
Georgia
Amateur Softball Association. Official Rules of Softball. 2001: 60-61, 1995: 62. "The 12-inch (30.0 cm) ball shall be between 11 7/8 inches (30.0 cm) and 12 1/8 inches (31.0 cm) in circumference and shall weigh between 6 1/4 ounces (180 g) and seven ounces (200.0 g)."
 
Feb 17, 2014
7,152
113
Orlando, FL
A couple years back I tossed my DD a Little Ball (7oz) and she immediately noticed that it was heavier. I did similar research. She says that the NCAA/SEC ball that she currently throws is very light. This is why I have my pitchers workout with the ball that they will be throwing in competition. Now that HS season is approaching my students are now throwing the NFHS Dudley Thunder Heat.
 

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