Wiffle Ball Tips

When playing Wiffle ball in the back yard as a kid, a few things seem apparent. One, the ball doesn't travel as far as a baseball. The ball also doesn't get the movement like a baseball. However, there are some little known techniques that can improve your game.

  1. Scuff and Dent

    • To get movement on a pitch, you may have to do what's long been a staple of baseball pitchers: scuffing the ball. File or sand the Wiffle. This will create an uneven surface and will cause the ball to spin when thrown. Create enough spin and you'll get the ball to break down and away, similar to a baseball curve ball. World Wiffleball Championship commissioner Jim Bottorff explains how to create a "super knuckleball." Bottorff says to dent the center of the ball above its holes. Place your index, middle and ring finger of your throwing hand in the dent. Place your thumb and pinky on the outside of the ball and flick your hand when throwing the ball. If done correctly, this will cause the ball to dip.

    Bat

    • The bat composition is important to hit the ball farther in Wiffle ball. A hard plastic bat may hit off of the bat farther than a bat made of soft plastic. The bat barrel should measure at least two inches in diameter to create a bigger sweet spot to hit the ball. Where doctoring your bat in baseball is illegal, it's okay to do so in a backyard Wiffle ball games and some competitions. Stuff foam packing peanuts or newspaper into the bat and tape it with electrical tape. The stuffing may help the bat serve as a spring for the ball to go longer distances.

    Screwball

    • Whereas scratching or denting the ball create movement in pitches, the screwball -- the opposite of a curve ball -- is done with technique. Where a curve ball moves right to left and down, the screwball moves left to right. Subsequently, you must throw the ball opposite of throwing a curve ball. Place your index finger on the seam of the ball with the middle finger two inches apart, similar to making a peace sign. Place the thumb on the seam of the ball with the pinky and ring fingers together touching the solid portion of the ball. Throw the pitch overhand with a loose grip and flick your hand down and to the right. If done properly, the ball will move down and the right of the batter.

    Swing

    • When hitting the ball while using a corked or regular bat, extend your arms for extra distance. Keep your wrist straight other than a slight bend, The swing is similar to a regular baseball swing. Bortorff also mentions to focus on hitting the ball hard and not worry about hitting a home run. He notes that hitting a hard ground ball can be tough for fielders to catch.

      And don't always swing for the fences---grounders can be challenging for fielders.