Drop Ball Drill

Boomers2012 · Sep 9, 2015

DD and I are working on the drop ball. We have been doing some basic drill trying to get the feel for it. In reviewing the video, it doesn't look like she is doing much more than a fastball release. My question is......is it even possible to get "on top" of the ball without throwing directly into the ground? Below is a slo-mo vid. Please let us know what we need to focus on. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks!

DNeeld · Sep 9, 2015

The video just shows her throwing a basic IR fastball. If she does it properly, it will have a 1/7 drop spin. If you are shooting for a true 12/6 spin, our just greater rotation, she'll need to rotate the ball to third by 9:00. This will help her get on top of the ball. Try to have the ball leave her middle finger last at release.

Not the best explanation, but all I have time for right now.

SoGASoftball · Sep 9, 2015

I don't think at full speed that the hand ever gets anywhere near the top, but it's a cue that helps give the feeling. DD likes using the Cannonball and throwing it into the dirt 10 to 12 feet in front of her. It really gives her the feeling.

Ken B · Sep 9, 2015

Using a taped ball, ask her to whip the ball in an attempt to get down/outside rotation (Some might say 5/11 spin.) No other cue. Chat about what you/she see and what she felt.

Rick Pauly · Sep 9, 2015

SoGASoftball said:
I don't think at full speed that the hand ever gets anywhere near the top, but it's a cue that helps give the feeling. DD likes using the Cannonball and throwing it into the dirt 10 to 12 feet in front of her. It really gives her the feeling.

A little demo of the "Crossfire Cannonball" dropball drill I recommend. The keys to this drill are:
1. Catcher takes a step to the right and pitcher takes a step to her right setting up a relatively significant angle. Note that the pitcher does not stride toward the catcher...rather she strides straight ahead.....this forces the fingers and wrist to do all the work in throwing across.
2. The pitch is simply a fastball (do not encourage the pitcher to force a rolling over action) thrown into the ground a little less than half way to the catcher.
3. The release action is what you will want for a great 12-6 dropball.

drc9805 · Sep 9, 2015

Rick, Is that a special ball?

Rick Pauly · Sep 9, 2015

drc9805 said:
Rick, Is that a special ball?

Yes, it is called a cannonball. It is solid rubber and acts like a giant superball. You can order them at Softball.com
Great ball for this dropball drill and have a riseball spin drill I use this for. Just have to be careful with young non-physically mature girls....the ball is heavy and does create a lot of distraction forces......definitely don't use it as a speed builder for throwing full out.

FrozenRope · Sep 9, 2015

Boomers2012 said:
DD and I are working on the drop ball. We have been doing some basic drill trying to get the feel for it. In reviewing the video, it doesn't look like she is doing much more than a fastball release. My question is......is it even possible to get "on top" of the ball without throwing directly into the ground? Below is a slo-mo vid. Please let us know what we need to focus on. Any input is much appreciated. Thanks!

Getting "On Top" of the ball is a queue. Your daughter looks like she's doing exactly what my daughter is being taught. The finish of fingers pointing back toward second base and keeping the hand low, not letting it follow through naturally like a FB. She gets 12-6 spin MOST of the time. Her PC told me the most common flaw kids have on the drop is to come around the outside of the ball and effectively put a drop curve spin on the ball. She also stresses STAY OPEN with the drop. Closing too early will also lead to the drop curve spin.

drc9805 · Sep 9, 2015

Rick Pauly said:
Yes, it is called a cannonball. It is solid rubber and acts like a giant superball. You can order them at Softball.com
Great ball for this dropball drill and have a riseball spin drill I use this for. Just have to be careful with young non-physically mature girls....the ball is heavy and does create a lot of distraction forces......definitely don't use it as a speed builder for throwing full out.

Thanks! I searched for it but didn't find anything so I will look at the website you listed.

FiveFrameSwing · Sep 9, 2015

drc9805 said:
Thanks! I searched for it but didn't find anything so I will look at the website you listed.

Cannonball 1 lb Weighted 11" Ball Softball | eBay

Drop Ball Drill

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