PITCHING Mechanics Rise Ball Drop Ball Change Up Curve Speed Control

DEVELOPING THE RISE BALL By: Bill Hudson In my opinion, the rise ball is the premier pitch in softball. It is also the most complex due to the wrist action necessary to achieve proper backspin on the ball. Many pitchers will become frustrated and give up on the pitch and settle on other pitches. GRIPS The most commonly used grips for the rise ball are: · The knuckle of the index finger is on the ball. · The fingertip of the index finger is on the ball. · The index finger is curled with the side of finger on the ball. · The index and middle finger is flat on the ball. The pitcher should try the different grips and use the one that is most comfortable with the best rotation. RELEASE MECHANICS · The wrist should be in cocked position as your hand reaches the back of your right leg. · The elbow and forearm are tucked in close to the side. · The wrist is snapped under and forward to create back spin. · The wrist is still in a cocked position with fingers pointing back toward the body after the ball is released. Following is a list of things you can do to speed up the process of learning the rise ball: · Practice spinning the ball. Use a weighted ball for spinning the ball straight up or lobbing a short distance. · Practice the rise ball wrist snap while warming up before pitching. · Practice spinning the ball to a catcher at a short distance, (15 or 20 feet) · In my opinion, the best way to practice the rise ball for either beginner or an advanced pitcher is to practice with the right knee kneeling on a pad with the left knee facing the catcher. This puts your body in the correct position. ( Back straight, body upright, left knee flexed). Your wrist will work harder from this position. The beginner would lob the ball concentrating on rotation. · Another good way to practice is stand stationary, (do not stride), and pitch ( again concentrating on wrist snap and rotation). · Keep in mind that you must have rotation to have a rise. Therefore, you must practice wrist snap to have proper rotation. · make sure you drag your right toe. If the right side comes forward too soon, it flattens out the pitch. You should feel that you are coming forward behind and against the left flexed knee. · Do not push with the right shoulder. If your right shoulder comes forward past the left shoulder, this usually causes your release point to shift forward and the pitch will be high.