Manual Input

Set your own parameters with sliders

Overview

Manual Input mode lets you control every parameter directly using sliders. This is useful for:

  • Testing “what if” scenarios (e.g., what happens if I add 200 rpm of backspin?)
  • Understanding how each parameter affects trajectory
  • Entering data from sources other than Statcast or Rapsodo

Parameters

Slider Range Description
Speed 100–170 km/h Release speed
Backspin −3000 to 3000 rpm Backspin component (negative = topspin)
Sidespin −3000 to 3000 rpm Sidespin component
Gyrospin −3000 to 3000 rpm Gyrospin component
Vert angle (θ) −10° to 10° Vertical release angle
Horiz angle (φ) −10° to 10° Horizontal release angle

Click Simulate to run the physics simulation with these values.

Advanced Options

Below the spin sliders, additional controls are available:

Control Description
CL Model Lift coefficient model: Nathan 2020 (exp) (default) or Rational (old). See Statcast Mode — Physics Model Options for details.
Fixed Cd Override the drag coefficient with a constant value (leave blank for the Nathan speed-dependent model)
Fixed Cl Override the lift coefficient with a constant value (leave blank for the model-based calculation)

Release Position

The release position (x₀, y₀, z₀) is set based on the most recent Statcast pitch or the default values:

  • x₀ = pitcher’s lateral offset (R: −0.47m, L: +0.47m)
  • y₀ = 16.764m (55 ft from home plate — standard release distance)
  • z₀ = 1.50m (approximate release height)

When using Rapsodo mode, the release position updates automatically.

Experimenting

Changing one thing at a time

The best way to learn what each parameter does:

  1. Start with a typical fastball (speed 150, backspin 2200, sidespin 0, gyrospin 0)
  2. Hit Simulate
  3. Change one slider (e.g., add 500 rpm sidespin)
  4. Turn on Overlay, hit Simulate again
  5. Compare the two trajectories

Quick presets to try

Preset Speed BS SS GS θ φ
Four-seam fastball 155 2200 200 0 −1 2
Curveball 125 −2000 800 0 2 1
Slider 135 200 1800 1000 0 1
Changeup 140 1400 400 0 −1 2
Gyro slider 135 100 500 2000 0 1
Note

These are rough approximations. Every pitcher is different — that’s what makes Statcast mode valuable.