A new spin tool I created

Welcome to Discuss Fastpitch

Your FREE Account is waiting to the Best Softball Community on the Web.

Status
Not open for further replies.
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
I prefer a ball with darkened seams when learning spin awareness. The darkened seams create either dark or yellow dots to help see axis and spin speed. The single stripe or dots require a perfect release and very specific finger placement, which limits options for various grips.
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2019-11-02 at 8.24.20 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2019-11-02 at 8.24.20 AM.png
    81.8 KB · Views: 22
Oct 1, 2015
22
3
I prefer a ball with darkened seams when learning spin awareness. The darkened seams create either dark or yellow dots to help see axis and spin speed. The single stripe or dots require a perfect release and very specific finger placement, which limits options for various grips.

The Spinform isn’t meant to be a replacement for full pitching, it is a teaching and warm up tool to introduce, see, and practice spin. It has a similar utility to “hockey puck spinners” but way more versatility and usefulness. You can use it in all throwing and pitching drills you normally do, but it’s not a replacement for a full ball.

Even Boardmember’s drills done with it, let you easily see how the ball is coming out of the hand (especially for the pitcher themselves).

How would you introduce a riseball to a young pitcher? Darkened seams might be easier for you to see, because you have years of practice, but I guarantee they look very different to an 11 year old who is just understanding spin.

I have used darkened seams, and when I ask the pitcher about what they saw they often have a more difficult time versus even a clean ball. Describe it as a blob.

If you are walking around the house or lying in bed spinning it to yourself, it is easier to self-correct than a real ball. And it doesn’t roll off the kitchen table ;)

When I use a line ball I am not looking for a perfect stripe in all instances, because of finger placement and grip as you said, but it makes it easier to see the spin because it is easier to see markings that are perpendicular to the axis of spin vs. parallel.

I also use different color dots on each side when I line a ball, which helps see if the axis is facing one way. That is why the logo on the Spinform is a contrasting circle, it is there to help see tilt (or yaw, or whichever it is).

Your experience may be different, and I respect that.

Completely separate note; if you are practicing different arm slot throws, and the ball is tilted way up or down, or thrown like a slider, darkened laces aren’t going to tell you anything. I know it’s not pitching, but pitchers practice other stuff too and versatility is good.
 
Dec 5, 2012
4,143
63
Mid West
Well my new spinner arrived Friday and I used it with a couple of students Sat morning.
It's a nice addition to my process when teaching the rise ball.
I'll use everything I've got to get her to feel backspin.
A hockey puck, 14" ball, 4" ball, regular ball with a stripe.... So this new tool fit nicely into the routine.
The biggest bonus here was actually pitching it to me, as it feels way more natural to a real ball.
One of the dads has already asked me to get him one.
Then this morning I happen to see a FB post wanting a spinner because apparently they don't make them anymore. So, I posted the link to the spin form site.
 
Last edited:
Oct 9, 2018
396
63
Texas
I do not have the experience to tell anyone if a teaching aid like this one is going to solve there throwing issues either over hand or pitching but I can say for both me and my daughter it has put a bigger priority to paying more attention to the spin axis and the release of the ball. The Spinform gives instant feedback when playing catch to see if you are behind the ball. I am glad I purchased it.
 
Oct 1, 2015
22
3
I am assuming this is a 12" size softball. Have you thought about offering an 11" version for the younger pitchers?

Yes, it is 12”, there is no 11” version yet, although I’d like to make one eventually.

But, I have found that using a slightly larger ball for drills and spins makes it feel easier to manipulate the smaller ball when you go back to it. This is the same concept as an older pitcher doing drills and warming up with a 14” ball.

Thank you coach james & tomorrow for sharing your experiences.
 
Aug 12, 2014
112
28
Buffalo, NY
I have one. I've used it on occasion as a different cue with a kid who I had trouble explaining or seeing other ways. I rarely use it to full pitch just some spins. It was a good visual. Not all kids are going to put in the time to really read spin or to stay focused on it. So I like that they were focused more because it was different.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
42,830
Messages
679,478
Members
21,445
Latest member
Bmac81802
Top