Pitching and Pitchers Discussion Drop Ball

[lewam3]

What is your definition of a good drop ball? Is it a pitch to induce grounders? Is it a swing and miss pitch? Is it the same speed as a fastball? is it slower to accentuate the movement? Peel? rollover?

 

[daboss]

Many may argue the answer I'd like to share but be open-minded and see if you get my point on this interesting question.

First, is there really a fastball in fastpitch softball? It might surprise you to find out many would say no. Think about the spin of the ball when released. It spins the ball downward which normally ends up with a properly thrown fastball breaking downward or showing signs of movement. Why do we call it a fastball? Because we understand the term. It dictates the mechanics for the pitch you desire. It normally is the fastest of all the pitches so we call it a fastball.

NOW, there are variations of a dropball that definately will give you movement downward that will be different from our well-known fastball. The reasoning is the spin of the ball to the relationship of the velocity of the pitch. The peel drop pitch is a very defined pitch that normally breaks straight downward when properly thrown. Different from a fastball break but not as unique as the over-the-top dropball.

The motion of the over-the-top drop is very confusing in many ways as the speed is normally slower while the break is more erratic and the movement when thrown by many has the illusion of a loping football turning over end for end. This makes this pitch very effective, especially to those that haven't seen this kind of movement. I like the over-the-top drop and believe it or not the girls seem to do very well learning this pitch compared to the other spin pitches we teach. I like the pitch because it normally can get any one of the results that is asked in the original question. If hit it normally results in a ground ball that is easy to field. This may be my favorite pitch but like all of them needs to be properly executed.

Just my opinion.

 

[FastBat]

I disagree! I call a fastball, a fastball, not because of the speed, but because of the spin. I also think calling a drop, curve, rise an "off speed" pitch is inaccurate, as I believe all pitches should be within the same few mph of each other. Except, a change-up, my rule is if a novice spectator knew the pitcher threw a change (probably due to slowed body speed), it's not an effective change-up.

I too love a good over the top drop, thrown properly with spin, rather than body tilt, etc. But, the pitcher can't confidently throw that pitch without an extremely talented catcher. It would get passed an average catcher, the pitcher would know that, and not be able to confidently throw that drop.

I'm not a fan of a peel drop, it just doesn't move much. Why bother? Although, I'm sure some pitchers have been extremely successful with it.

Throwing a drop to induce a grounder due to topping the ball, a swing and miss due to vertical movement, or whatever gets the fielders an opportunity to make an out, is a successful drop!

 

[bucketime]

Your going to get about 25 different opinions.

 

[FastBat]

/\/\/\ Thank goodness we all have different perspectives and views...this site would be pretty boring if we all agreed on everything! IMHO, the more opinions the better!

 

[coachjwb]

The drop ball is a great pitch. My daughter lived on it and a knuckle change all the way through college. She originally learned and threw a turnover, but eventually migrated to the peel I think primarily because she felt like she could get what she wanted out of it more consistently. I don't think it dropped as much as her turnover when it was working right, but we did see it primarily as a ground ball pitch. Of course, some batters will swing over the top of it so that works too. As for velocity, it was within 1-2 mph of her fastball. I think the other reason she really liked it was that it meant she was keeping the ball low ... because she didn't have as much speed to blow batters away up high, she wanted to keep the majority of her pitches in the lower part of the strike zone, and let her defense do their job. Their definitely is more danger of a WP or PB and so we liked to use it a little less with a runner on 3B but, just like any other pitch, especially the change-up, you are going to be most effective if you are confident throwing any pitch in any count or situation.

 

[Pacerdad57]

Would have to agree with coach Jeff on this one for the most part. The DD throws an over the top and a peel, probably more consistent with the peel, but the over the top can have some wicked change in direction. I agree tho that they all should be within a mile or two of the fastball, with the obvious exception of the change. The DD also goes with the knuckle change, it's effective. She's a lefty and her screwball when it's on is pretty fun to watch, heading right for the rightie batter then snapping back over the plate. Fun to watch!