How to Throw Cool Wiffle Ball Pitches

Throwing the right wiffle ball pitch can confuse a batter.

Wiffle ball is a variation of baseball that uses a plastic ball and bat. A typical waffle ball is made of hollow plastic with a semi-circle of holes. The design of a wiffle ball gives pitchers the ability to throw a wide variety of pitches not possible with a regular baseball. Only a highly-skilled professional pitcher can make a baseball curve several inches; just about anyone can make a wiffle ball curve several feet. The ease of throwing a curve with a wiffle ball makes the process of mastering cool pitches simple.

Instructions

How to Throw a Curveball

1. Use a curveball grip to hold the ball. For a right-handed pitcher, the holes should be facing to the right. Place your middle finger between the seam and the holes and your index finger to the left of the seam. For a left-handed pitcher, reverse the grip. The grip for a curveball should look like a peace sign. Place your thumb on the seam underneath the ball. Grip the ball loosely for maximum break.

2. Aim high and outside. If you're a right-handed pitcher and are facing a right-handed batter, aim at the batter's head. The exaggerated curve of the wiffleball will cause the ball to break about 2 feet, putting the ball safely over the plate. By aiming at the batter's head, you may cause the batter to flinch, making it more difficult for the batter to hit the ball.

3. Throw the ball either overhand or three-quarters. Throwing the ball overhand, like a normal baseball, causes the ball to break more vertically, while throwing the ball three-quarters causes it break horizontally like a slider. Release the ball as if you're throwing a regular baseball.

How to Throw a Sinkerball

1. Use a sinker grip to hold the ball. For both a left-hander and right-hander, hold the ball with the holes facing up. Place your middle finger between the seam and the holes. Place your index finger to the left of the seam. The grip for a sinker should look like a peace sign.

2. Aim chest-high. A properly thrown sinker will break about 3 feet, so aim high enough for the ball to reach the batter. By aiming chest-high, the ball will travel high enough to induce the batter to swing at the ball, yet low enough that the batter will have a difficult time hitting the ball hard.

3. Throw the ball sidearm. When releasing the ball, turn your wrist over the top of the ball, as if you're throwing a screwball. Take care to turn your wrist gently. Turning your wrist too quickly may cause arm pain.

How to Throw a Rising Pitch

1. Use a riser grip. Hold the ball with the holes facing down. Wrap your index and middle finger, as well as your thumb, around the seam. Bring your ring and little finger together and place the tips of these fingers on the trademark at the center of the ball. Grip the ball very tightly.

2. Aim between the batter's knees and belt. A properly thrown riser will rise about three feet. By aiming above the batter's knees, the ball will travel on a plane that will induce the batter to swing at the ball, but move enough to make it difficult for the batter to make solid contact. Most batters will foul a riser straight back.

3. Throw the ball sidearm. As you release the ball, bend your body downwards and throw with a whipping motion.

Tips & Warnings

• While curving a wiffle ball is easy, it may take a lot of practice before you are able to consistently locate pitches.

References

• WiffleballUSA: NJWA Presents How to Pitch a Wiffle Ball
• Tom's Wiffle Ball Page: How to Play Wiffle Ball

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish