A "fastball" (being the fastest pitch in the arsenal) thrown with good IR mechanics.
is a "lead with the pinky" pitch, and thus the fingers are slightly inside the neutral axis of the ball at the time of release.
So, the fastball is spinning "forward" 12-6, but also slightly turned (yaw) due to the fingers being inside the ball.
This is the hand position for maximum velocity with good IR mechanics.
The Drop is a similar pitch, but to throw with straight-on 12-6 axis (no yaw), the hand must be "neutral" (middle finger centered behind the ball at time of release).
To accomplish this, the pitcher must pronate the forearm just a millisecond earlier than the Fastball, and thus sacrifice a little "whip efficiency" at time of release,
resulting in a little less velocity, but a more ideal spin axis to produce biting downward movement.
is a "lead with the pinky" pitch, and thus the fingers are slightly inside the neutral axis of the ball at the time of release.
So, the fastball is spinning "forward" 12-6, but also slightly turned (yaw) due to the fingers being inside the ball.
This is the hand position for maximum velocity with good IR mechanics.
The Drop is a similar pitch, but to throw with straight-on 12-6 axis (no yaw), the hand must be "neutral" (middle finger centered behind the ball at time of release).
To accomplish this, the pitcher must pronate the forearm just a millisecond earlier than the Fastball, and thus sacrifice a little "whip efficiency" at time of release,
resulting in a little less velocity, but a more ideal spin axis to produce biting downward movement.
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