1. Experience is key-The more you see a rise ball as a hitter, the easier it will be to recognize and deal with. Make sure to practice hitting a rise ball so that you get comfortable at recognizing it, especially if you have a rise ball pitcher on your team.

2. Know the pitcher’s tendencies-   You should know before you go up to the plate if a pitcher has a good rise ball. Be sure to watch when you are in the dugout as to when and what counts during an at bat the pitcher throws her rise and how often she relies on it.

3. Recognize the spin early– The spin of a rise ball is a more rapid spin that will go directly underneath the ball and up. The spin will not be sideways like a curve ball or screw and it won’t be going over top of the ball like a drop ball or drop curve/screw.

4. Stand in the front or the back of the box- If you stand in the front of the box, beware that the pitch can be adjusted to break early. The benefit of standing in the front is to hit the ball before it breaks. Good pitchers will be able to adjust the spot that the pitch breaks. If you stand in the back, it challenges the pitcher to keep her rise ball under control. If the ball rises too much, it will be called a ball. If the pitch looks to be a strike, you get more time to recognize the spin and set  your swing.

5. Keep your hands a touch higher than normal in your stance.

6. As you go to the ball swing on a linear plane or downward at the ball. Swinging upward will allow your back shoulder to drop which makes you get under the ball.

7. Focus on what you SHOULD be doing. If you focus on NOT getting under the ball or NOT getting sucked into swinging at a lousy riseball, you inevitably will. Focus on swinging at a low pitch with a lower release point on the pitcher’s hip. By focusing on positive things that SHOULD be happening in your swing and your attack, you will be more likely to succeed.

8. Keep your helmet low– This helps me to see the ball off of my dark helmet and eliminate glare on the ball. I can see the rate at which the ball is approaching my brim which helps me to recognize if the pitch will be a ball. This also helps me to recognize the spin on the ball more clearly. Try it out next time you’re at the plate against a rise ball pitcher!