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Why are there slots on one side of a Wiffle Ball?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 23, 2026

Patented in 1957, the lightweight plastic Wiffle Ball comes with slots on one side to make it easier to throw curves and other pitches without putting undue stress on young arms.

What do the holes in a wiffle ball do?

The holes are on just one side. They disrupt airflow, increasing turbulence over that half of the ball. More turbulence means less drag on that side, resulting in an upward “lift” force. Air rushing into the holes creates vortices that whirl inside.

How many slots does a Wiffle ball have?

Only the white baseball size Wiffle®Ball (eight slots on one side) will be used for play. The only modification to the surface of the ball will be that resulting from normal play. If a ball is torn more than ¼ inch, it will be ruled illegal for play and will be removed from the game.

Why is there no H in wiffle ball?

Fun Facts:

*Many baseball fans often call strike-outs “whiffs.” Wiffleball got its name because the wiffle ball is easy to throw curve balls with which result in higher numbers of strikeouts. * There is no “h” in the word Wiffleball because the creators wanted to save money when making a sign.

How did Wiffle Ball get its name?

The ball they designed was easy to make curve and harder to hit, with lots of strikeouts. In our Dad's neighborhood, a strike-out was called a "wiff", which led to our brand name and federally registered trademark "WIFFLE". The rules are based on the rules that Dad used in his backyard games.

16 related questions found

How long has Wiffle Ball been discovered?

He soon discovered that punching holes in one side of the light, plastic spheres made them more aerodynamic. This gave the pitcher the ability to throw curveballs and spinners easily based on his or her grip. As a result, the invention we now know as the WIFFLE® Ball was born on August 17, 1953.

How do you scuff a wiffle ball?

Scuff style: Tip of a knife or screw to cut a checkerboard pattern on top, three "x" marks on each flap between holes, and four lines from the bottom to the middle seam of the ball.

How is wiffle ball different from baseball?

Wiffle ball is a variant of baseball played with a plastic perforated ball. Eight three-quarter-inch, oblong holes cover half the ball's surface area, while the other hemisphere is uninterrupted. Originally designed to relieve the arm of a young baseball pitcher (the son of its inventor, David N.

Are there walks in wiffle ball?

There are no unintentional walks (see Rule 11). Batters may strike out swinging (including fouls before the third strike). Batters may choose not to swing at any pitch (See Rule 8). One-handed batting will not be allowed for non-ADA players.

How far is the fence in wiffle ball?

The bases shall be 40 feet apart. The pitching rubber or designated pitching line shall be approximately 30 feet from home plate. Home plate shall be considered in fair territory. The distance from home plate to the outfield fence shall be 100 feet along the foul lines.

How fast can a Wiffle Ball be thrown?

It seems impossible that a wiffleball could be thrown over 35mph. Though that seems reasonable, it is not correct. The top tier wiffleball players pitch at an average speed of around 70mph. With the mound a short 49 feet away from the strike zone, that pitch seems a little more like 100mph.

How high can a Wiffle Ball go?

If you hit it right, the ball can sail 150 feet - you can't tell me that isn't fun. As long as your pitcher can get the ball anywhere near the plate, you can put together some pretty impressive homers. And since balls don't travel that far, you don't have to chase all that much.

Why do Wiffle balls curve so much?

KWONG: Asymmetry - that's what makes the Wiffle Ball so dynamic and a person who isn't super strong able to throw tough pitches and to curve the ball. Jenn's favorite is when you point the holes directly at the batter and try to release it with as little spin as possible.

What is the difference between a pickleball and a wiffle ball?

And, if you're like me, then you're likely wondering if pickleball and wiffle ball are the same thing, or if they are different. The main difference between pickleball and wiffle ball is that one is played with a paddle and one is played with a bat. Pickleball uses paddles and wiffle ball uses bats.

What is junk ball?

It's a ball with a rotating center that has scuffs that allows you to have an easier grip, while allowing the pitcher to throw butter junk pitches. You can also put more speed on your pitch, too. It's a heavier ball, but that also means the 'Junk Ball' can travel farther.

How do you throw a curveball?

Steps

  1. Grip the ball between your thumb and middle finger. Place your middle finger along the bottom seam of the baseball and your thumb along the back seam. ...
  2. Keep your grip hidden. ...
  3. Wind up and throw the pitch. ...
  4. Snap the release. ...
  5. Practice.

Where did Wiffle Ball originate?

The Mullanys' grandfather, David N. Mullany, invented the Wiffle Ball. The story goes that in the early 1950s, he was an out of work semi-pro baseball pitcher, so he set about to make a ball that kids could throw curveballs with. And then he started selling the balls at a local diner.

How many bases are there in Wiffle Ball?

Hitting the ball into the single zone enables the player to advance one base, hitting into the double zone enables them to advance two bases, and a triple three bases. Hitting past the triple zone is a home run. Every player who makes it round the bases scores a run for the team.

Where is the MLW Wiffle Ball located?

MLW Wiffle Ball, established in 2009, is a competitive wiffle ball league that is based out of Brighton, Michigan.

Is bunting allowed in Wiffle Ball?

All calls (fair/foul, out/safe, etc.) will be made by the defensive team. If teams cannot agree on a call, the supervisor shall be called in and a coin flip will be conducted to make the call. b. Bunting is not allowed in Wiffle Ball.

How do you get good at Wiffle Ball?

Wiffle Ball is a game all about offense. If you cannot hit well, you simply cannot play well. To ensure this doesn't happen, follow these steps.
...
Identify the ball as soon as it leaves the pitcher's hand.

  1. Curve Out. The ball will tail away from your body. ...
  2. Curve In. The ball curves into your body. ...
  3. Sinker. ...
  4. High ball.

How heavy is a Wiffle Ball?

Eight oblong slots cut in the top of a feathery plastic ball that weighs two-thirds of an ounce, less than a third of the weight of a baseball.