Nov 18, 2002

I learned an interesting thing about ball speed when I used a radar gun over this past season. The gun gives two readings: the first figure flashes for a moment, then a second (lower) figure remains on the screen.

 

The first figure is the ball's speed at it's fastest point - when it leaves the hand. The second figure is the last "peek" the gun captures of the ball before it disappears.

 

For example, both Nick Underhill and Terry Bell threw pitches that read 79 and then 74 - meaning that the ball lost 5mph on the way to the plate. Those pitches were all "drop balls". Colin McKenzie throws a lot of pitches that read 77-75. Why would his pitches only lose 2mph?

 

It's all got to do with the rotation of the ball. Underhill and Bell were throwing their fastest pitch, the drop, which has a direct forward spin and the ball drops considerably.

 

McKenzie prefers his #1 pitch, the rise or spinner, but Colin throws it with more of a spiral spin than a direct backward spin - and that's why it loses less speed.

 

I'm not knocking the fast drop - it is nearly everyone's bread and butter pitch because it's their fastest and most accurate. I am proposing that you consider modifying your rise ball.

 

After interviewing and chatting with Al Mitchell a few weeks ago, I'm even more convinced about this. He instructs his pitchers and catchers to avoid throwing the "spinner" in late innings of close games. His thinking is "if they're gonna beat ya, make 'em beat ya with your best pitch".

 

Anything off speed in the top half of the zone is in greater danger of going out of the park.

 

Consider changing the way you throw your spinner. Modify it so that you gain speed and accuracy. Most guys throw their #1 (rise or spinner) by bending their index finger - and digging the nail into the ball.

 

This grip costs a few miles per hour. A lot of pitchers think their rise is their fastest pitch or at least as fast as their drop. It may give the elusion that it's faster because it defies gravity - but it's actually slower.

 

Nearly every pitcher throws their #1 (spinner) about 5mph slower than their #2 (drop).

 

Colin McKenzie is an exception - and it seems to work for him!

 

This week's secret:

 

"Throw your #1 faster than your #2"

 

Rather than bending your index finger - keep it extended and slightly bend both your index and middle fingers.

 

Tighten your grip so you feel pressure on the sides of the tips of those two fingers (the ring finger side).

 

This is a much more natural grip and will allow you to throw full speed.

 

The rotation of the ball will likely be very close to a "rifle bullet" spin - that is a spiral.

 

It won't hop or curve, but it will be faster. Not only faster when it leaves your hand but also faster when it crosses the plate because it is piercing the air rather than pushing air.

 

Next week's topic:

 

"The Secret to Power"