Educate me about the riseball

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Jun 7, 2016
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So Im sure most have heard a similar story.... At a game umpire calls ball (high), dad yells "that was a riseball". Start conversation with a friend about riseball (this is 14U game). He claims, yeah that pitcher throws a rise. I ask how do you know--she told me! I watch spin and only see bullet. But ball does "rise". I think of Java referring to such a thing a RAMP ball. Which prompts me to say I think she is throwing an upward trajectory and explain spin. He says, "Yeah goes up from the batters POV"
So I understand spin/magnus/physics etc, but what BEHAVIORAL differences does a true riseball display that is so deadly to hitters that the rampball doesnt.
And if this seems elementary to some, I get that, but would like to understand better.
 
Jun 18, 2010
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barnhill_rise_side_zps47fbpcnt.gif


barnhill_rise_back_zpsjqfcokgj.gif
 
May 30, 2013
1,442
83
Binghamton, NY
to me, when catching my DD's developing rise, one thrown with mostly backspin has a special sort of "life" to it.
its like it has "float" like the ball weighs about half of what it actually does.
she isnt even throwing it quite 50mph yet, so I can only guess what its like to try and hit a 62mph riseball,
but Ibetcha it aint fun!
 
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Jun 18, 2012
3,183
48
Utah
When catching a pitcher who throws a good backspin riseball, you'd better have a facemask on, particularly if you're not use to catching a rise.

On another note. I remember seeing the clip of Java catching for Sarah Pauly while she pitched a rise. Java appears a bit shocked by it. I don't think he had a mask on. He's a hell of a lot braver than I!!!
 
Jun 7, 2016
275
43
Thanks for replies. Knights imagery of Barnhill looks to me that the ball jumps up on its path I [I know this is as taboo as praising her mechanics :) ] but could be camera movement. I've never caught a riseball so not experienced it (DD not there yet). But Barnhill reminded me of a comment JAD made about her strength and throwing pole to pole which I am sure she launches at an uphill angle. So what is the difference of her throwing at an upward trajectory (rampball) versus getting 6-12 spin that facilitates pressure differntials affecting trajectory. Specifically how would these two pitches look different if we could get her do both in front of a camera, maybe one camera at third base and at one umpire's position.
I apologize if I seem dull witted, but I am struggling to visuaize how these two pitches differ.

Edit: I do recall that video where he was surprised. The angle was behind the pitcher and Im not sure it shows that "surprising" behavior like the ball coming at you.
 
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