Throwing an effective rise ball can turn a good pitcher into a great one in softball. The rise ball is one of the most difficult pitches to throw, and it often takes more than a year to develop an effective pitch that rises in the strike zone. In addition to placing a unique spin on the ball, pitchers must have sufficient speed to make it jump in the zone. Hitters who face an effective rise ball are often shocked at the way the ball moves as it approaches the strike zone.
Step 1
Grip the ball with your second and third fingers on the narrows of the ball. The narrows are the part of the ball where the seams are closest together. Press your second finger into the side of the ball.
Step 2
Adopt a fastball delivery when you are throwing a riser. Your arm swing must be fast and you must get significant pace on the pitch. Make sure your release point is low. In some cases, this means below your knee.
Step 3
Maintain open shoulders and pull your upper body back as you prepare to release the ball. This will enable you to push back against your stride leg and give the appearance that you are about to fall backward as you release the ball.
Step 4
Twist your fingers position as you release the ball. This is often called "opening the door knob" because you put the same action on the ball as if you were opening a door. According to pitching instructor Gerald Warner, your fingers are on top of the ball at the start, but they are on the bottom of the ball by the time you let it go.
Step 5
Follow through with a short and upward motion. Your fingers should be bent and pointing upward. You will be falling backward as you finish and you may need to take a drop step to retain your balance.
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