Pitching and Pitchers Discussion RISE BALL

[default]

Watching the college world series , you could see how effective this pitch is. These girls were throwing it in the 60's with tremendous back spin. I have watched Bill Hillhouse throw this pitch and it is amazing to watch. From talking to most pitching coaches and reading pitching web sites, you must be able to throw at speeds of 55 or greater. Yet you see many posts about kids being taught this pitch at an early age by a pitching coach ?

 

[default]

I read an article about the physics of the rise ball. It stated that the ball needs to be at least 53mph with perfect spin to overcome the forces of gravity and truly rise. The harder you throw it, the less "perfect spin" needs to be on the ball, etc. I think most young pitchers are working on the spin of the so when they gain the speed, they will already be there. I doubt very, very few young pitchers throw a "working" rise ball.

 

[default]

SBFAMILY- Yes the rise ball is a valuable pitch to have because it changes plains in the strike zone. And yes, you need mid 50's to make this pitch jump up. There are not too many young girls accurately throwing this pitch. Many believe since the pitch is rising on a slight angle from the release point, it's a rise ball, but because of the the lack of speed it will not jump. However, it is important to teach it at an early age to properly learn the correct spin and the mechanics of the pitch.

 

[default]

Hillhouse taught my daughter how to throw the riseball last year - at age 10. Obviously, she doesn't have the speed to make it rise, but it also doesn't drop as much as her peel drop. When she throws it correctly the result is the same as it is for bigger girls; a popup. Works great for bunting situations too.

 

[default]

You are right, Bill does a good job showing them you to throw it. But it is still just a fastball released low that goes high and its very good against the bunt. I still haven't seen anyone throw a true riseball at this age. If anyone could it would be the girl for the slammers, she had great movement against the lasers and both pitchers were excellent to watch. . I think Rich stated that Bill thought she was one of the best he has worked with. That is saying a bunch with all the girls Bill works with.

 

[default]

SBFAMILY that is correct. The young lady for the slammers throws an awesome rise ball especially considering her age. Bill did tell me something to the effect that pound for pound she is the best talent he is working with. Of course there are better pitchers, but at that age level I have not seen anyone throw like her. By the way her results speak for themselve. She simply does not get hit.

However we did scrimmage them earlier in the spring (they put it on us) but we did have our leadoff hitter get two legit hits off of Abbey. Mr. Lilly told me that very few players (even 14 year olds) have had two hits in a game off of her over the past few years.

 

[default]

Oh NO!! I hope this doesn't degenerate into yet another rehash of "does the rise ball actually rise?"!!! PLEASE don't go there!! Let's just leave it at "It's a VERY effective pitch - when mastered and thrown correctly".

 

[default]

Just remember that when you finish the rise ball pitch--you should be saying "Bill's Number One".

 

[default]

SPEED of the PITCH -

Although we are still waiting for scientific studies and evidence to prove it, experience has shown that a rise ball has to be thrown (with correct and fast back spin)
at a minimum speed of 53 to 55 mph.

 

[default]

SPEED OF THE SPIN...rapid

A true rise ball needs to be thrown with tremendous backspin (well in excess of 20 revolutions per second) to make the seams of the ball dig into the air sufficiently to cause the softball to overcome gravity and rise above the natural parabolic arc of the pitch. The majority of pitchers who THINK they are throwing a rise ball do not throw it with the correct spin...as a result, it is NOT a rise ball.

 

[default]

For those that are interested and have a pitcher. I believe the last two posts came from
www.pitchsoftball.com. This is an excellent web site that gives you details on how to throw a pitch, how to warm up, what not to do and the average speed based on age group studies. It loaded with good information on pitching from the guru's out west.

 

[default]

For those that are interested and have a pitcher. ?I believe the last two posts came from
www.pitchsoftball.com. ?This is an excellent ?web site that gives you details on how to throw a pitch, how to warm up, what not to do and the average speed based on age group studies. It loaded with good information on pitching from the guru's out west.

SBFAMILY

You are right it did come from that site and it is good site for information on pitching tips.