First, this is about getting the "big break" on the ball. I'm not talking about a 2 inch dip--I'm talking about 12 to 15 inch break. To get the "big" break, there a number of factors to consider on a drop ball.
Axis wobble: That is, if the release isn't quite right, the axis will not remain perfectly parallel to the ground during flight but will wobble. The physics term for this is "precession".
Angle of axis with ground: For the big break, the axis has to be parallel with the ground.
RPMs: The drop ball has more RPMs than a fastball, which is why you use a slightly different grip.
Velocity: A drop is slightly slower than a fastball. Usually, it is 2 or 3 MPH slower.
Release point: The ball is released later for a drop ball than a fastball.
To throw a drop or rise correctly requires minute adjustments in the release. You can't tell someone how to "perfectly" throw the pitch. The pitcher has to get out on the mound and play with it to get a feel for what works and what doesn't work. (Some kids like to play with making the ball do strange things, and some don't. Those that do learn how to throw breaking pitches.)
This is my DD as a college freshman throwing a drop. When she was really good in college, she had more leg drive. She also end her drop with her right shoulder pointing at the catcher. She lifted during the off-season three to five times a week and developed very strong shoulders in order to really spin the ball.
As a disclaimer, THIS IS NOT A FASTBALL. If your DD doesn't know how to throw a fastball "in her bones", messing around with this pitch could result in her picking up really bad habits.
<embed src="http://share.ovi.com/flash/player.aspx?media=ratwod.11503&albumname=ratwod.softball" width="512" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>
Axis wobble: That is, if the release isn't quite right, the axis will not remain perfectly parallel to the ground during flight but will wobble. The physics term for this is "precession".
Angle of axis with ground: For the big break, the axis has to be parallel with the ground.
RPMs: The drop ball has more RPMs than a fastball, which is why you use a slightly different grip.
Velocity: A drop is slightly slower than a fastball. Usually, it is 2 or 3 MPH slower.
Release point: The ball is released later for a drop ball than a fastball.
To throw a drop or rise correctly requires minute adjustments in the release. You can't tell someone how to "perfectly" throw the pitch. The pitcher has to get out on the mound and play with it to get a feel for what works and what doesn't work. (Some kids like to play with making the ball do strange things, and some don't. Those that do learn how to throw breaking pitches.)
This is my DD as a college freshman throwing a drop. When she was really good in college, she had more leg drive. She also end her drop with her right shoulder pointing at the catcher. She lifted during the off-season three to five times a week and developed very strong shoulders in order to really spin the ball.
As a disclaimer, THIS IS NOT A FASTBALL. If your DD doesn't know how to throw a fastball "in her bones", messing around with this pitch could result in her picking up really bad habits.
<embed src="http://share.ovi.com/flash/player.aspx?media=ratwod.11503&albumname=ratwod.softball" width="512" height="420" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed>