Analyzing Fastpitch Softball from the 2011 WCWS Alan M. Nathan University of Illinois

Analyzing Fastpitch Softball from the 2011 WCWS

Alan M. NathanUniversity 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 Height Vertical Release Angle

Flight TimeRelease Speed Flight Time

Release Height

Release Speed Flight Time

Vertical Release AngleRelease Height

Release Speed Flight Time

“Drop”Height at home plate – Height at release

pfx_x = horizontal movement

pfx_z = vertical movement

Movement

Spin Rate and Axis

Spin Rate vs. Speed

Spin Rate vs. Axis

topspin

Henderson

Thomas

Dunne

Some Trajectories

Some Trajectories

• Same v0

• Note the “late break”

• pz differs by ~1 ft

side view

Some Trajectories

side view• Same v0

• pz differs by ~2 ft

Some Trajectories

side view

• Different v0

• px differs by ~1 ft

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