Riseball, changing the axis

True or false = a rise ball will be a faster pitch than a 12/6 fastball?

1bucketmom said:

True or false = a rise ball will be a faster pitch than a 12/6 fastball?

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It really depends on the athlete... I have students who are on both sides. However, most typically the rise is at least 3 - 5mph slower as she attempts to slice and not I/R

1bucketmom said:

True or false = a rise ball will be a faster pitch than a 12/6 fastball?

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usually false
(if the "riseball" is actually a riseball)

Kcsftbl said:

Is there a minimum speed that a pitcher should be throwing for a rise ball to work properly?

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The pitch needs to be thrown at a bare minimum of 50mph... some will argue its 55....
It has to have enough spin and speed to counter the forces of gravity.

The real question with breaking pitches is this: "What does the pitch look like compared to the other pitches the pitcher throws?"

A riseball with perfect backspin will be higher at the plate than a bullet spin rise.
A bullet spin rise (which is the same as a fastball with no spin) will be higher at the plate than a fastball.
A fastball will be higher at the plate than a drop ball.

I didn't say "overcome gravity".... I said "counter gravity" meaning its dropping less than it would if it weren't spinning backwards.

You are right...my mistake. Sorry.

sluggers said:

The real question with breaking pitches is this: "What does the pitch look like compared to the other pitches the pitcher throws?"

A riseball with perfect backspin will be higher at the plate than a bullet spin rise.
A bullet spin rise (which is the same as a fastball with no spin) will be higher at the plate than a fastball.
A fastball will be higher at the plate than a drop ball.

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Great chart sluggers!! The aspect I like is how difficult this is for the hitter to pick up. Each of those paths are virtually indistinguishable nearly half way through their flight. Doesn't give the hitter much time to make up their mind.

Bullet spin riseballs were started by people telling them to "turn the doorknob" at release. This implies a turn of the wrist instead of the kinetic whip action of elbow, wrist and fingers. To turn a ball from bullet spin into back spin, she simply has to keep her thumb pointed at 3rd base. That's the magic trick. Once she turns her wrist, even slightly, she will turn the ball sideways and get bullet spin.

By the way, I personally had no real difference in speed between my rise and drop. Anyone who does have a big gap is doing something radically wrong.


Bill