bullet spin....ugh! help please!!!

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Jan 22, 2013
6
0
Any drills or suggestions? A recent problem that has popped up. Tried using a hockey Puck to work on more of a downward spin but she is just not getting it. When watching her throw it looks like she is rotating her hand / wrist " around" the ball
Thanks
 
May 7, 2008
8,506
48
Tucson
Almost every student that I have had tries bullet spin. They are wanting to put "more" on the ball. I just stop catching every time I see it and tell them "not to add anything." I also say that the release is "similar to pulling my hand through water."
 
Feb 3, 2010
5,752
113
Pac NW
Couple questions: Which way is the ball spinning? Are you seeing counter clockwise spin from your perspective? I ask because you mentioned "hand / wrist " around" the ball." A counter clockwise spin is very common and some find it desirable for a fastball. Over rotation of the hand is a different issue. Either way, without a little more info or video, it's tough to tell.

A natural/loose release may appear to the eye as over rotation. Many folks, without seeing the release in slo-mo video, will perceive what is actually a good/loose release and follow-through as over rotation and will try to correct a perfectly good mechanic.

If all other mechanics are in good shape, I like a 12/6 spin with the axis perpendicular to the target. A striped ball helps them see the spin.
 
Last edited:
Apr 21, 2011
4
0
I'm having the same issue with my DD, the ball is spinning counter clockwise and she is twisting her wrist/hand outward when she releases the ball.
 
Oct 22, 2009
1,781
0
My DD was taught the bullet spin as her first pitch. I hated that pitch! I used to say, it came in like a bullet and went off the bat like a shot. I made her stop throwing it, unless it was off the plate.
With my students I teach them the downspin. A lot of them do spin inside the ball creating a bullet spin. I agree with Amy most of these students are trying to push through the ball quicker.

I use a roll of duct tape instead of a spinner, it's easier to hold onto and cheaper, and cheaper sells me every time. I also make sure they throw with a taped ball and pay attention to the tape. I encourage them to throw the roll of tape in the beginning of their warm ups just to keep the spin in check, a lot of times it starts to progress away to bullet slowly and then before long it has to be corrected, so I like stopping things before they get to bad.
 

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