There is a certain correlation between the size of PVC baseball and the pitching speed, which is mainly reflected in the following aspects:
The relationship between the weight of a sphere and its speed:
Studies show that throwing a baseball weighing between 100 and 125 grams can significantly increase the ball’s speed, while throwing a baseball that is too heavy (such as over 175 grams) will lead to a significant decrease in the ball’s speed. A lighter ball can reduce the load on the pitcher’s shoulder and elbow, enabling the pitcher to swing the bat more quickly and thereby increase the speed of the ball. Meanwhile, the lighter sphere experiences less air resistance during the throwing process, which helps maintain a higher flight speed.
The relationship between the diameter of the sphere and controllability:
Although the diameter of a PVC baseball has a relatively small direct impact on the pitching speed, a smaller diameter (such as 6.8 cm to 7.0 cm) can reduce the hitting difficulty and improve the controllability for beginners. However, for professional pitchers, a ball with a standard diameter (approximately 7.2 to 7.3 centimeters) is more in line with the requirements of the game and can provide more realistic hitting feedback. During the pitching process, the diameter of the ball mainly affects the pitcher’s grip stability and the smoothness of the pitching action, rather than directly determining the ball speed.
The relationship between material and ball speed:
Baseball made of PVC material is usually lighter than traditional baseball and has better elasticity. This material property enables PVC baseball to better retain energy and reduce energy loss during the throwing process, thereby helping to increase the ball speed. In addition, the durability of PVC material ensures that the ball can maintain good performance even after multiple uses, further guaranteeing the stability of the pitching speed.
The correlation between pitching techniques and ball speed:
The pitching speed is not only affected by the size and weight of the ball, but also closely related to the pitcher’s pitching skills. For example, by optimizing the pitching action, enhancing the explosive power of the lower limbs and improving the pitching mechanism, pitchers can significantly increase the speed of the ball without changing the size of the ball. Therefore, when choosing the size of a PVC baseball, pitchers should comprehensively consider their own skill levels and training needs.