One of the biggest benefits that the pitchLogic® baseballs have provided our program is the ability to work on improving throwing with our position players – namely our catchers. We place a lot of focus with our catchers on improving throwing mechanics, movement patterns, and spin metrics to try and “max out” the throwing tool. From our experience using the pitchLogic baseballs with the catchers, we have learned that they have never been subject to data collection or education on how spin-related metrics could help them in throwing – not surprising, considering most systems are set up for pitchers, not position players. During the collection of data from our catchers, we found that the majority of them were cutting the baseball. This cut of the baseball made the throws inconsistent location-wise as well as slower because the spin isn’t aiding ball flight.
After assessing the catchers throwing metrics, we devised development plans for catchers to help improve spin-related metrics to ultimately create throws that exhibit carry characteristics. The biggest challenge we face with catchers is the fact that they rarely start the throw in a consistent starting position because the pitch can take their momentum in different directions. Compare this to a pitcher who always starts the pitch in a consistent starting position, we can really focus on engraining movement patterns and become repeatable. The main focus we have using these pitchLogic Baseballs in catch play is to have the catchers “feel” when they cut the ball or dropped their arm. If they can feel the mistake, they can adjust and start training with more intent and focus. Meanwhile, they can remain athletic and adaptable which is required for the position.
Overall, the introduction of the pitchLogic baseballs has facilitated growth amongst our players and created more intent and focus in day-to-day activities. As coaches, we have enjoyed the benefits data brings in the fact that we can have more intentional communication with our athletes and can measure progress quantitatively. We have seen athletes continue to progress and develop throughout the Fall, avoiding typical “plateaus” that are seen throughout a full Fall season.
Assistant Baseball Coach, Lewis-Clark State, Twitter @Coach_Brando