What it is

The Movement Scatter Chart (available with pitchLogic pro) is a graphical display of Vertical and Horizontal Movement. It displays the Movement of pitches (measured at 55 feet) from the last ten pitches of the current session or pitches selected for comparison. The center of the chart represents zero Vertical and Horizontal Movement. This differs from a strike zone chart, as it shows Movement caused by Spin and Speed instead of location. The most recent pitch is highlighted with an orange outline, and pitches fade in color as they get older.

Why it matters

Being able to produce consistent Movement with any given pitch is critical to creating command. If the pitcher knows how their pitch will move, they can be more confident in locating the pitch within the strike zone. This can help pitchers throw more strikes, which has been shown to lead to greater success.

A common goal when developing a pitch is adjusting its Movement. For example, you may identify that you want more depth to a breaking ball, without knowing the exact amount of Movement you are targeting. The Scatter Chart can help visualize relative changes toward your goal.

The value of having multiple different pitch types is dependent on the amount of separation in their Movement (or Speed). For example, a pitcher who throws a curveball and a slider with very similar movement will benefit from creating more distinct shape to the two pitches. In some cases, it may even be better to focus on only one of these pitches. If a curveball and a slider have the same Movement, are they really different pitches? 

Movement is one the primary defining characteristics of a pitch, but it can often be difficult to identify the exact movement by eye. pitchLogic gives an immediate objective measure of Movement, and the Scatter Chart makes it quick and easy to see exactly what a pitch is doing.

How it is used

When working on consistency and control of a particular pitch, the Movement Scatter Chart delivers intuitive visual feedback. A tight grouping demonstrates consistency and makes it easier to achieve greater command. If pitches of the same type are more widely scattered, look at other metrics to get an idea of what is causing variation. This could be a changing Arm Slot, Spin Efficiency, or other factors.

When making adjustments to the shape of a pitch, the Scatter Chart makes it easy to identify progress. If working on creating depth or drop, try to move the pitch lower in the Scatter Chart. If working on more ride or hop on a fastball, look for a higher point on the chart. If you are trying to create more arm or glove side Movement, try to move the pitch toward the sides of the chart. 

When looking at a pitcher’s entire arsenal, have them throw 2-3 examples of each pitch. Then use the Scatter Chart to examine the separation between the different pitch types. For example, if a slider and curveball have limited separation, you could decide to either focus on just one or develop greater separation between the two.

When working on creating the desired Movement of a pitch, a few different factors affect the outcome. The biggest factor in changing the direction of a pitch’s Movement is Spin Direction (the magnus force will make the ball move in the same direction that the ball is spinning). The amount of Movement is largely determined by the Spin Efficiency. A pitch with low Spin Efficiency may have the desired Spin Direction, but not produce much Movement.