We debated long and hard before deciding to include this page in late 2009, waiting more than two years after the initial furor. One reason for the delay - uncertainty about which way we should teach it. Some people have described it as "not a screwball", others as "not a slider" or "not a cutter". None of which is overly helpful.


Beyond what it's not, there is the matter of arm angle, actual grip, wrist rotation, and how the seams come off the fingers. Beyond that is the real question - does it do anything? Even the experts who have analyzed this from the outset are unsure about what it does and how it does it. The best dewscription is that it creates a gyroscopic spin which keeps it on track - less backspin than a fastball, less drop than a curve (more of those negative definitions).

And finally, once you figure out what it is, will you be able to throw it? In truth, does anyone? You see, we have studied several videos all of which claim to be gyros but each shows a different arm slot, hand position, and rotation.

WARNING: Some experts have identified a risk to the elbow (and shoulder) from the lateral forces applied when the arm is laid back or supine as suggested for this pitch.

Like other specialty/novelty pitches, it comes down to how much time will any player really spend to master this pitch - or any pitch. And that is driven by results - does it do something you want a pitch to do, and does it do so consistently. The alternative - we wind up with countless unimpressive gyroballs being hurled by pitchers around the globe - all convinced they are throwing the TRUE gyroball. We'll find out.


Gyroball?
This is our interpretation of the intent of the pitch - by arm rotation and seam rotation. The animated version shows how the arm delivers the pitch through release point. And the full page explains in detail the what and why of the pitch's movement.
Detailed descriptions and animations available to WebBall Team Players only. For membership information, click here.