How Rapsodo Improves Pitching Performance

In recent years, instructors have been able to use slow-motion video to help understand the intricate details of pitching mechanics. The data didn’t stop there, it has gotten far more advanced. Rapsodo has been a leader in getting some of the most important data to help pitchers get instant feedback.

Those that use Rapsodo can make each practice a way to perfect pitching mechanics. Instructors now have the ability to measure and verify important metrics like velocity, spin rate, spin efficiency, and ball movement profiles in order to train athletes to perfect the art of pitching, improve pitch quality, and create consistent proven results.

Knowing velocity is important, not just how hard a pitcher throws his fastball but also how hard you throw every pitch (like a changeup). We know that at least a 10 mile an hour drop, in a changeup, without slowing down arm mechanics, is an efficient way to instantly improve.

How the ball spins is very important.  A controlled spin allows you to instantly create and feel a spin that best suits the action you want – to make it hardest on a hitter.

For decades pitchers always wanted to create a big downward tilt on all pitches. The school of thought was always vertical but it’s about keeping the ball looking the same for the longest period of time and then spinning in different directions (vertical, horizontal, left, or right).

If a hitter wants to be successful, he has to recognize spin and predict where it will end up. If that time is cut short because of a pitcher’s ability to have late action on the ball, hitters simply won’t have enough time to react correctly.

Rapsodo can give a pitcher a pitch profile without a hitter present.

Historically, data was used after results, meaning we needed to see an in-game result to see if that was a good pitch or a bad pitch to keep practicing. Sometimes a pitch would work on one-hitter but not on another which can also be misleading info for wanting to make changes in mechanics.

Now we know, without a doubt, through Rapsodo how and what gets hitters out and teaching it has gotten not only scientific with detail, but the process has gotten much more fun with useful instant feedback.