Missing or incorrect Ball Flight metrics (Exit Velocity, Launch Angle, Distance) are almost always caused by a missing Blast Connect subscription, an unsupported or handheld device, incorrect camera setup, or poor lighting. Ball Flight is a premium feature — if it isn’t active on your account, these metrics won’t appear.
Requirements to Use Ball Flight
- An active Blast Connect (premium) subscription.
- A supported iOS device — see the full supported device list at blastmotion.com/devices.
- A tripod. Handheld recording makes it difficult to hold the camera still enough for Ball Flight to work reliably; the app will warn you if it detects too much motion, but results may vary without a tripod.
- Your phone in landscape orientation, using the rear camera. Ball Flight will not work if the phone is held vertically, and front/selfie cameras aren’t supported.
How to Start Ball Flight
- From the Analyze screen, tap Live.
- Swipe on Ball Flight to turn it on.
- Tap the Practice button.
- Select your Environment, then tap Next.
- Select Hitter on the Left or Hitter on the Right.
- Use the scroll bar to set the camera distance, then tap Set Distance. Use a measuring tape, or a bat of known length, to set this accurately.
- Tap the record button. Tap the Baseball Diamond icon to toggle between field view/Blast IQ metrics and recording.
Why the App Isn’t Detecting the Ball
- The camera may be too close. For higher-speed shots, move it farther away — for home runs, set up 10–12 feet from the flight line.
- Move the camera slightly forward, in front of the impact location, so a frame or two of extra ball flight is visible.
- Make sure the ball travels across the full screen; hitting into a net will prevent a reading.
- Check for adequate lighting — some indoor spaces don’t have enough light for the high shutter speed Ball Flight needs.
- Check that the phone isn’t overheating in direct sunlight, which can slow the processor.
- Close other apps running in the background, since analyzing high-speed video takes significant processing power.
- Make sure your swing reaches at least 40 mph exit velocity — if your bat speed is consistently low, try a bat 1–2 inches longer.
If Ball Flight Isn’t Showing Up At All
Make sure you’ve signed up for Blast Connect premium services first, then turn off the Getting Started App Experience (Menu > Settings > swipe left on Getting Started App Experience). Ball Flight will then be available from the Smart Video Capture or Live screen.
FAQ
Do I need Blast Connect for Ball Flight? Yes, Ball Flight is a premium feature that requires an active Blast Connect subscription.
Why do I need a tripod? It’s difficult to hold a phone steady enough by hand for reliable Ball Flight tracking — a tripod significantly improves accuracy.
What’s the minimum swing speed for Ball Flight to work? Around 40 mph exit velocity; if you’re consistently below that, try a bat 1–2 inches longer.