what pitch is this?
- Thread starter gvm
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How do we know it is a change (knuckle) from this still shot?
The grip being a tell is the least of the problems with a knuckle change. The lack of spin is like a flashing neon sign saying "wait for it". Unless it has sick movement a knuckle change will get pasted by a competent hitter. My DD worked a clinic with her about a month ago and does not recall a knuckle change as one of her pitches.
the reason i asked about this pitch is,i read somewhere about a riseball. i thought they called it the New Zealand Rise? (i could be wrong... but i read something about a knuckle grip and it didn't really spin,but it had plenty of upward movement. this girl is a great pitcher,and this might be a knuckle change? i don't know? when your dd went to the clinic did she say what pitches she DOES throw?
If it was a true knuckle ball I believe we would see her index finger in the still shot.
- Dec 7, 2011
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I bet it is just supporting the other side of the ball similar to the pinky - betting on you would want equal pressure in the same direction from both the index & pinky (cancelling each other out and allowing the two middle fingers to push the ball forward with no spin).
Being as I'm always wrong when it comes to pitching anyway, I'm going to throw my 2 cents in. I think that is her version of a knuckle/riseball. Instead of the front finger creating the spin, I think she is using her middle two to do it. JMHO.
Edit to Add: It's extremely difficult to tell from a still picture versus a .gif or slo-mo full motion video.
Edit to Add: It's extremely difficult to tell from a still picture versus a .gif or slo-mo full motion video.
Last edited:
Greenmonsters
Wannabe Duck Boat Owner
Yes, and I wouldn't be at all surprised if that was an edited image with a photo shop of Wilbur Wood's hand.
The knuckle ball is supported between the thumb and pinky, if she has her index finger flat then I have no idea what she is trying to do. I think it's a knuckle ball, if doesn't 'knuckle' then it's a changeup. Dangerous pitch to try at her level of play.
I don't know. I guess that depends on the pitch count, BR's, game situation etc. Don't you think?
