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 Release Speed Release Speed Release Height Release Height FlightTime Time Flight Vertical Release Angle Vertical Release Angle “Drop” Height at home plate – Height at release Movement pfx_x = horizontal movement pfx_z = vertical movement Spin Rate and Axis Spin Rate vs. Speed Spin Rate vs. Axis topspin Henderson Thomas Dunne Some Trajectories • Same v0 • Note the “late break” • pz differs by ~1 ft Some Trajectories side view Some Trajectories side view • Same v0 • pz differs by ~2 ft 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