Bullet spin is typically found in fastballs. If a pitcher attempts to throw a rise and doesn't get under it well enough then the rotation will have more of a bullet spin. The illusion of a rise ball is a low to high trajectory and the tight backspin will create a lift so the ball will fight gravity and will not drop any, continuing upwards in its original trajectory. In the same manner side spins will curve into their rotation.
However, when a batter or catcher sees a quality rise ball... its amazing how the ball will seem to jump upwards. We are so deeply ingrained in our brains to expect gravity to plateau that pitch and in our minds eye we expect to ball to be here and not there. Thus giving us the conclusion the ball jumped up. When in reality it just never plateaued.
As to the original question, which one is faster... Speed isn't determined by the rotation, but by the pitcher. Her overall mechanics are far more important in gaining speed.
However, when a batter or catcher sees a quality rise ball... its amazing how the ball will seem to jump upwards. We are so deeply ingrained in our brains to expect gravity to plateau that pitch and in our minds eye we expect to ball to be here and not there. Thus giving us the conclusion the ball jumped up. When in reality it just never plateaued.
As to the original question, which one is faster... Speed isn't determined by the rotation, but by the pitcher. Her overall mechanics are far more important in gaining speed.
Last edited: