Watchly Safety Review

This Ball Is Impossible To Hit

Mark Rober

0:43 · 69.7M views · August 11, 2023

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Some ConcernsReviewed June 2026

1Moderate Concern

4Minor Flags

This engineering-focused video shows a creator modifying a wiffle ball with a 3D-printed mechanism to change its trajectory mid-flight, essentially creating a trick ball to fool batters. The content is creative and demonstrates STEM concepts, though it does involve mild unsportsmanlike behavior and rule-bending for entertainment purposes.

Content Breakdown · 5 Categories

Bullying, Cruelty & DiscriminationA little

There is a mild joke about 'redirecting this batter's career' which could be interpreted as mocking the player's performance, though it appears to be lighthearted banter in the context of sports competition rather than genuine cruelty. The tone suggests playful competitive trash-talk rather than malicious intent.

See evidence (1)

“redirect not only the trajectory of the ball but also this batter's career”Mid-video

Hidden Advertising & Sponsored ContentA little

The video includes promotion for 'Camp CrunchLabs' and references to CrunchLabs YouTube channel. While this appears to be the creator's own product/brand (not a third-party undisclosed sponsorship), it is promotional content embedded within the video. The description mentions 'NO PURCHASE NECESSARY' and promotion details, suggesting transparency, but the in-video promotion may not be clearly disclosed as advertising to young viewers.

See evidence (1)

“Welcome to your LEAST BORING SUMMER EVER! Come join me at Camp CrunchLabs all summer long”Beginning of video

Toxic Behavior ModelingSome

The video demonstrates creating a modified wiffle ball designed to deceive and gain unfair advantage in a competitive game. While framed humorously and with apparent consent from the league ('thanks to Kyle and his league for being such good sports'), the core concept involves cheating in a sports context. The creator acknowledges this by saying 'their rulebook might need an update,' implying the modification exploits a loophole. This could model unsportsmanlike behavior or 'clever cheating' as admirable to young viewers, even if done in jest.

See evidence (3)

“I 3D printed this ball with a slot to load this brass cylinder in place”Throughout video

“it's perfectly time to eject the cylinder and redirect not only the trajectory of the ball”

“It looks like their rulebook might need an update”

Engagement Baiting & Manipulative CTAsA little

The video includes calls-to-action to subscribe to multiple channels (MLW WiffleBall and CrunchLabs). While not overtly manipulative or guilt-tripping, the description includes 'You won't regret it' language which is mildly persuasive. The CTAs are relatively standard YouTube practice rather than extreme manipulation.

See evidence (2)

“You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel”Video description

“You won't regret it”

Playful & Fantasy ViolenceA little

The content involves competitive sports (wiffle ball) which includes the concept of 'hitting' a ball and competitive play. The language about 'redirecting this batter's career' is playful sports trash-talk. This is very mild and within the context of legitimate sports competition, but technically involves playful competitive 'combat' in a sports context.

See evidence (2)

“This Ball Is Impossible To Hit”Throughout

“redirect not only the trajectory of the ball but also this batter's career”

What Parents Need to Know

This video features an adult creator who uses engineering skills to create a modified wiffle ball that ejects weight mid-flight to trick opponents. While the engineering and problem-solving aspects are educational, the video does model cheating in sports as humorous and acceptable. The creator jokes about ending someone's career and circumventing rules, which could send mixed messages about fair play and sportsmanship. There's no inappropriate language, violence, or unsafe activities, but parents should be prepared to discuss the difference between creative engineering projects and maintaining integrity in competitive settings.

Talk to Your Kids About

1What did you think about using engineering to change how the ball works? Is that creative problem-solving or cheating?
2How would you feel if you were playing a game and someone used a trick ball like this without telling you?
3Can you think of ways to use engineering and building skills in sports that would be fair to everyone?
4What's the difference between bending rules for a fun video versus bending rules in a real competition?

Protected Viewing

What's This Video About?

I think next season's rules will include some revisions. Welcome to your LEAST BORING SUMMER EVER! Come join me at Camp CrunchLabs all summer long- http://campcrunchlabs.com Special thanks to Kyle and his league for being such good sports and for showcasing their skills. Follow the MLW season by subscribing to their channel! You won’t regret it- https://www.youtube.com/@MLWWiffleBall You should also go subscribe to the CrunchLabs YouTube channel cause we’ve got some bangers in the pipeline- https://www.youtube.com/crunchlabs Thanks to these folks for providing some of the music in the video: Ponder - https://youtube.com/@Pondermusic Laura Shigihara - @supershigi Andrew Applepie - https://soundcloud.com/andrewapplepie Blue Wednesday - https://soundcloud.com/bluewednesday NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Promotion starts on 1/1/2023 & ends on 12/31/23, subject to monthly entry deadlines. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18+. 1 prize per month: each month is its own separate promotion. For the first 2-3 months, winner may be notified via phone call instead of winning game piece. If a monthly prize is unclaimed/forfeited, it will be awarded via 2nd chance drawing. See Official Rules at crunchlabs.com/sweepstakes for full details on eligibility requirements, how to enter, free method of entry, prize claim procedure, prize description and limitations. Void where prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this video appropriate for elementary school kids?

Yes, this video is generally appropriate for kids 8 and up. It contains no inappropriate language, violence, or unsafe content. The main consideration is that it shows rule-bending behavior presented as clever and funny, which parents may want to discuss with their children.

Does this video teach kids to cheat at sports?

The video shows someone creating a trick ball to fool opponents, presented in a humorous way. While it's framed as an engineering project rather than serious cheating, it does model unsportsmanlike behavior as entertainment. Parents should use this as an opportunity to discuss fair play and the difference between creative projects and maintaining integrity in actual competition.

What educational value does this video have?

The video demonstrates several STEM concepts including 3D printing, mechanical engineering, timing mechanisms, physics of projectile motion, and problem-solving. Kids interested in engineering, making, or tinkering may find inspiration in how everyday materials can be repurposed into creative projects, even if the specific application raises sportsmanship questions.

Is there anything unsafe that kids might try to copy?

The activities shown are relatively safe—3D printing and assembling small mechanisms. There are no dangerous stunts or harmful challenges. However, younger children shouldn't attempt 3D printing without adult supervision, and parents should ensure kids understand this is a demonstration project, not something to use in actual games with friends.

Does this video promote bad sportsmanship?

The video does present rule-breaking and tricking opponents as humorous and clever, with jokes about ending someone's career and needing rulebook updates. While clearly meant as entertainment rather than serious advice, it models unsportsmanlike behavior without addressing the ethical implications. Parents may want to discuss why fair play matters even when being creative.

What age kid would enjoy and understand this content?

Kids aged 8-12 who are interested in engineering, building things, or sports would likely find this engaging. The concepts are accessible enough for elementary-age children to understand, while the humor and engineering aspects appeal to middle schoolers. Younger children may enjoy watching but might not fully grasp the mechanics involved.