2020 vs.
2021 Rotation
Introduction
Baseball pitchers often struggle with
throwing a slider, and one of the main causes
of this is over-rotation of the wrist. Instead of a
quick snap of the wrist, there is a more curved
release of the ball, leading to an inaccurate
pitch and possibly an injury. It is an easy
mistake and can quickly become a hard habit
to break if repeated too often, which is why the
concept of “muscle memory” is so important.
A baseball repetition machine called the
FungoMan FM-100 is used to help improve a
player’s skill by securing their correct muscle
memory during drills (Newell, 2006). This
machine was tested by coaches and their
players and proven to be effective over time.
In addition, it was proven that gene isoforms
change and convert during repetitive training,
having a good effect on the person involved
(Lindholm et. al, 2016).
Last year, a device was engineered to help
stop this issue of over-rotation, and this year it
will be improved upon by adding a digital
goniometer and a more stable design to keep
everything attached. This tool could be used in
the future to help high-school or college- level
pitchers perfect their slider.
Objectives
⬜Successfully decrease the average
amount of wrist rotation while pitching a
slider
▪ Record amount with a digital
goniometer over the span of two
weeks
⬜Compare the results with the
conclusions of last year’s device to see
which is the better version
⬜Decide which aspects of each product
would be beneficial for lowering the
amount of rotation
Pitcher Perfection: A Better Wrist Trainer Results
to Throw the Best Slider
Samantha McGarity
Materials and Methods
Materials
 Digital goniometer • Results of rotation from throwing sliders
 Rubber band over two weeks in 2020
 Silicone size 7 ring
 JV Weld
 Needle and thread
 Batting gloves
Method(s)
1. Research health of the wrist, more in-depth muscle memory, how to throw a slider, and more
2. Create a new prototype
2a) Cut all the fingers off the batting glove except the fourth one
2b) Cut off ruler part and attach digital goniometer with hot glue and silicone ring with sewing
2c) Add rubber band to batting glove strap
3. Conduct tests using the new prototype as well as the old one
3a) Tests with rotation and without; see results everyday over a month • Results of rotation from throwing sliders
over two weeks in 2021
4. Compare results to last year (Was there more or less rotation over time? Was it basically the
same?)
5. Make data charts comparing the two years and finalize project
Experimental Set Up
Conclusion
In conclusion, muscle memory improved
overtime, although the data did spike on
October 17th. The rubber band also still
proved effective in reducing the amount of
rotation. Although wrist rotation increased in
comparison to last year, the data from this
year was more accurate because of the
new digital goniometer. An issue with the
new device was the heaviness of the
goniometer. It sometimes pulled the glove
strap off, forcing a restart of the trail. The
goniometer also came off several times, but
after experimenting with different adhesives
The blueprint of the device created (including hot glue), JV Weld helped keep it
in place. The findings of these trials support
the concept of muscle memory and can be
References used for further research on this topic. In
the future, this product could be used to
Lindholm, M. E., Giacomello, S., Werne Solnestam, B., Fischer, H., Huss, M., Kjellqvist, S., & Sundberg, C. J. (2016). train a high school or possibly college level
The impact of endurance training on human skeletal muscle memory, global isoform expression and novel
pitcher to throw a slider properly.
transcripts. PLoS Genetics, 12(9), 1–24.
https://doi-org.proxygsu-scob.galileo.usg.edu/10.1371/journal.pgen.1006294
Newell, K. (2006). Training day sports practice aids that deliver results. Coach & Athletic Director, 75(8), 72–76.