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

2. 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!

3. 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

4. Release Speed Release Height Vertical Release Angle Flight Time Release Speed Flight Time Release Height Release Speed Flight Time Vertical Release Angle Release Height Release Speed Flight Time

5. “Drop” Height at home plate – Height at release

6. pfx_x = horizontal movement pfx_z = vertical movement Movement

7. Spin Rate and Axis Spin Rate vs. Speed Spin Rate vs. Axis topspin

8. Henderson

9. Thomas

10. Dunne

11. Some Trajectories Same v 0 Note the “late break” pz differs by ~1 ft side view

12. Some Trajectories side view Same v 0 pz differs by ~2 ft

13. Some Trajectories side view Different v 0 px differs by ~1 ft top view

14. …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