[Paul Copioli]

For us it was a simple decision. Two major factors come into play when dealing with shooting accuracy (there are many more, but these two applied to this year's challenge):

1. Muzzle velocity - a.k.a. exit velocity
2. The knuckle ball effect - Technical term --> turbulent flow separation

The first item was predetermined for us by the rules.

The second item can be alleviated by spin. A knuckle ball pitcher is most effective when he can get the ball to float (no spin at all). The motion is pretty unpredictable (ever seen a catcher's mitt when catching for a knuckle ball pitcher?) When you place spin on the ball you increase the Reynold's number, thus decreasing the likelihood of flow separation. This also does generate some lift and reduces drag which allows the "flatter curve" effect others have noted.

Once we determined we needed spin, placing them vertically made sense since we didn't want to throw curve balls.

-Paul


Once we determined we needed to spin the ball