Fastpitch Drop Ball

There are two methods used to throw a drop ball. The first is called the 'peel off' and the second is called the 'roll over'.

The 'peel off' drop ball is thrown like a fastball with more spin. It seems to be a little easier for younger pitchers to learn this method. A perfect drop ball spin, as seen by the catcher, can be achieved using the 'peel off' drop ball.

The 'peel off' drop ball will NOT drop sharply unless you get a fast spin. There are a few techniques to help. Take a little shorter stride and shift your body weight forward as you release the ball. Your shoulders should be over your stride (front) foot and you should feel you are on top of the ball as you throw. You want your hand to act like it is pulling the rug out from under somebody that is standing behind you. Some pitchers pull up on their pitching arm shoulder to get more spin. You may want to modify your grip by gripping the ball with your thumb joint rather than the end or pad of the thumb.

Perfect Drop Ball Spin

A short video of Michelle Smith throwing the peel-off drop.
         Windows Media
          Real Video
         .mpg version

The 'roll over' drop ball has the capability of generating more spin but less speed. Also, the perfect angle of rotation is difficult to achieve.

Typical drop ball (roll-over)

as seen by the catcher

Poor drop ball (bullet) spin

as seen by the catcher

A common grip and just how the wrist snaps at release are shown on the right. Another grip is called the 'split finger' grip where your first and middle fingers grip the seams where they are at their narrow point. This grip is used by Lisa Hernandez.

Keep your elbow close to your body and snap your hand over top of the ball. Do not rotate your elbow or shoulder, snap your wrist. Rotating your elbow or shoulder or not keeping your elbow close to your body can lead to shoulder injury.

As with the 'peel off' drop, shorten your step so that your weight is forward. Your shoulders should be above your stride foot at release.

Start by using the arm-whip drill to get the proper angle of rotation. If you get the bullet spin, slow down and experiment with your grip until you can achieve the typical rotation shown above. Gradually increase your speed making sure the angle of rotation stays as close to the typical spin as possible.

Next, move to the windmill drill and do the same thing. Start slowly and make sure the angle of your spin is correct. Then gradually increase your speed.

Finally, try full motion pitching. Always make sure the spin is correct. Then, try to increase the spin rate on the ball. The faster the spin, the more it will drop.

Video of Jenny Finch throwing the roll-over drop.
      Windows Media
      Real Video
      Mpg version

Video of Cat Osterman throwing the roll-over drop.
     Windows Media
     Real Video
     Mpg version

Previous->Breaking Pitches

Next->Screw Ball