How does Cadence Pitching detect pitches automatically?
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Cadence uses your Apple Watch's built-in accelerometer and gyroscope to detect the unique motion signature of a pitch. The app samples motion data at 100-200Hz and uses multi-signal analysis (acceleration peaks, rotation velocity, and gravity vector changes) to distinguish pitches from other arm movements like catches or throws.
Which Apple Watch models work with Cadence Pitching?
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Cadence Pitching requires Apple Watch SE (2nd Generation) or newer, including Series 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and Ultra models. Newer watches (Series 8+) provide enhanced sensor sampling at 200Hz for more accurate detection. You'll also need an iPhone running iOS 16 or later.
Where should I wear my Apple Watch for pitch tracking?
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For accurate pitch detection, wear your Apple Watch on your forearm (throwing arm), positioned about 2 inches below your elbow. This placement captures the rotation and acceleration of your throwing motion better than standard wrist placement. A secure sport band or forearm strap is recommended.
What is the Effort Index and how is it calculated?
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The Effort Index is a 0-100 scale that represents how hard you threw relative to your personal baseline. It's calculated from your peak rotation velocity during the pitch, normalized against your calibrated maximum. A score of 30-40 indicates an easy throw, 50-70 is moderate effort, and 80+ represents high-intensity pitches.
Does Cadence Pitching measure actual ball speed or velocity?
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No. Cadence measures arm motion and effort, not ball speed. To accurately measure velocity, you need a radar gun or ball-tracking device. We intentionally focus on workload metrics (effort, intensity, pitch count) rather than making claims about ball speed that would require additional hardware to verify.
Is my pitching data stored in the cloud?
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No. All your data stays on your Apple Watch and iPhone. Cadence doesn't upload anything to external servers. You own your data completely. If you want to analyze your data externally, you can export it as a CSV file and share it however you choose.
Can Cadence Pitching prevent injuries?
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Cadence is a workload monitoring tool, not a medical device. It cannot predict or prevent injuries. However, tracking your pitch count, effort levels, and weekly volume gives you data to make informed decisions about your training. Always work with coaches and medical professionals for injury prevention guidance.
How accurate is the automatic pitch detection?
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In testing, automatic detection achieves approximately 95% accuracy when the watch is properly positioned on the forearm. False positives (counting non-pitches) are minimized through multi-signal validation. You can also manually adjust your pitch count at the end of each session if needed.
Is Cadence Pitching free to use?
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Yes. Cadence Pitching is free to download and use with no subscription fees, in-app purchases, or account requirements. All features are available to all users. We believe every pitcher deserves access to workload data without financial barriers.
Can coaches or parents view my pitching data?
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Currently, data stays on your personal device. You can share session summaries via share cards or export CSV data to send to coaches. We're exploring team features for a future version that would allow coaches to view athlete data with permission.