A new spin tool I created

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Feb 3, 2010
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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 use the darkened seams to teach spin awareness. Once they recognize spin axis, they can learn the adjustments needed to create backspin (or drop spin.) They pick it up pretty quickly. I teach the catchers as well so they can help their pitcher.
 
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Oct 1, 2015
22
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I use the darkened seams to teach spin awareness. One they recognize spin axis, they can learn the adjustments needed to create backspin (or drop spin.) They pick it up pretty quickly. I teach the catchers as well so they can help their pitcher.

I am glad you found a system and 1 tool that works for every pitcher...that hasn't been my experience.

IMO, a variety of drills and practices accelerates the learning because it tricks the brain into paying attention.

It might not be right for you, but a tool like the Spinform, like several others, are beneficial in a variety of ways.
 
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BLB

May 19, 2008
173
18
I made one about 20 years ago. I had students use it to help develop a rise ball spin. One drill that seemed to be really effective was to stand along a wall with toes close to the wall. I had students perform drills similar to what Boardmember describes. Students were asked to hold the ball so that the flat part of the ball was against the wall until after they released the ball. I had them do the drill in 4 steps. First it was a self toss where the ball went straight up. Step 2, a partner would stand close to the wall a little ways from the pitcher and the pitcher actually let the ball go so it would go to her partner. Step 3 was again self toss while standing a few feet away from the wall and without the ball touching the wall this time. They tried to get the same spin as if there was now an imaginary wall in front of them. Step 4, they repeated step 2 without having the ball touching the wall. If ball spin went out of whack, they would go back a step.
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
We didn't have time to play with James' SpinForm ball last weekend, so I ordered one tonight. We'll review it and if we like it; we'll promote it. If not, we'll be honest about that as well. Please understand that I want nothing more than to give the students and coaches I work with the best I can give. I also LOVE to be proven wrong...
 
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Jul 31, 2019
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Not sure if this product was licensed through Bownet, but I had bought one a few months ago from them. I use it periodically in lessons, and find it effective when emphasizing proper spin direction for fastballs for younger kids. I have not experimented with other pitches as of yet
 
Oct 1, 2015
22
3
Not sure if this product was licensed through Bownet, but I had bought one a few months ago from them. I use it periodically in lessons, and find it effective when emphasizing proper spin direction for fastballs for younger kids. I have not experimented with other pitches as of yet

No, I am not associated with Bownet, but yes, I am aware of it. I have reason to believe that the guy who brought it to bownet, who has deep connections to China, stole the idea in the design phase a while ago ( I have been working on this for over 2 years).

I experimented with various thicknesses to maximize spin visibility both close up and at distances and at different velocities. My dot logo is also there for a reason, to make it easier to see the side of the ball. They are subtle differences, but IMO, theirs is both an inferior product and 30% more expensive.

I do have a provisional patent on it, and am looking into whether or not I have any legal recourse.
 
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