How to Deliver a Rise Ball

Rise ball. To some this pitch doesn't mean much, if anything. Yet, to many softball fans, coaches and players this particular pitch could determine a win or loss or possibly postseason bragging rights. It's one of the toughest pitches in softball to learn, and it can take some players years to master, which explains why it's one of the best pitches to deliver in a pinch. When thrown correctly, the rise ball will change planes in order to keep a hitter off balance, which is exactly what you want in order to strike out your opponent. So what's the secret technique behind throwing an effective rise ball? Read the helpful hints provided below on mastering this equalizing pitch, and you, too, can achieve the championship knowledge you have always dreamed of obtaining. Grip. Your grip is one of the many important points you must have down before you can throw an effective rise ball. You must use a two-finger grip. For those who don't know what a two-finger grip is, it is when you place your second and third fingers on the "narrows" of the ball. Rotation. You should use a fast rotation of the arm. This is the same kind of rotation you would use when you are throwing a fastball. Downswing. Just before you release the ball, on the final downswing of your pitch, you should turn your fingers. They will end up on the top of the ball when you approach the releasing point. Release. As you release the pitch, remember the ball should be released low. This could be as low as the kneecap for some pitchers. You may have to drop the shoulder to find the proper release point. Body Control. When throwing the rise ball, you must always remember to keep your shoulders open and keep your upper body pulled back as far as possible while pushing back against your stride leg. If done right, you might feel like you are going to fall backward after the release of the pitch. Release point. Always remember to "twist the doorknob" to bring your fingers from the top to as far to the bottom of the ball as possible. Follow Through. The arm will finish with a short upward follow-through toward the target. This being said, you always want your elbow facing away from your body and your body should fall back after releasing. So there you have it, the rise ball. Even though it may take years to master, there is no turning back once achieved. This pitch, when executed properly, can narrow the chances of your opponent's success and maximize yours. You have now been given the golden rules of the rise ball, so read them and practice them wisely. Who knows? One day, you could end up on someone's shoulders, showered with cheers after delivering that winning pitch: the rise ball. No need to thank me. -