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Analyzing Fastpitch Softball from the 2011 WCWS. Alan M. Nathan University of Illinois. PITCHf/x @ WCWS. Sportvision had usual setup for ESPN broadcast (K-Zone) Every pitch tracked 3505 total 14 of 15 games SV sent data upon my request Thanks!. Interesting Things to Study.
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Analyzing Fastpitch Softball from the 2011 WCWS Alan M. Nathan University of Illinois
PITCHf/x @ WCWS • Sportvision had usual setup for ESPN broadcast (K-Zone) • Every pitch tracked • 3505 total • 14 of 15 games • SV sent data upon my request • Thanks!
Interesting Things to Study • How do pitches differ from MLB? • Speed • Flight time • Release point and direction • Spin rate and axis • Movement • Some obvious differences • Pitcher’s rubber is not raised • Rubber-to-home plate is 43 ft • Underhand naturally upward with topspin • A pitcher’s repertoire
Flight Time Release Speed Vertical Release Angle Release Height Flight Time Flight Time Flight Time Release Speed Release Speed Release Speed Vertical Release Angle Release Height Release Height
“Drop” Height at home plate – Height at release
Movement pfx_x = horizontal movement pfx_z = vertical movement
Spin Rate vs. Speed Spin Rate vs. Axis Spin Rate and Axis topspin
Some Trajectories • Same v0 • Note the “late break” • pz differs by ~1 ft Some Trajectories side view
Some Trajectories • Same v0 • pz differs by ~2 ft side view
Some Trajectories • Different v0 • px differs by ~1 ft side view top view
…and in conclusion • Lots of interesting data to look at and much to be learned • I have done only cursory analysis thus far • a fun diversion from my usual activities • These data ought to useful to softball players and their coaches • NOTE: K-Zone also set up for CWS • the data might be interesting to analyze