BREAKING BALL Meaning and
Definition
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A breaking ball is a term primarily used in the context of baseball to describe a type of pitch that displays a significant and deliberate deviation, or break, in its trajectory as it approaches the batter. This pitch is usually delivered by a pitcher with a spinning motion intended to alter the path of the ball in mid-flight. While there are various breaking balls, the most common include the curveball, slider, and the knuckleball.
A curveball is a breaking ball that possesses a sharp downward trajectory due to the topspin applied to the ball during its release. This results in a parabolic path, allowing the pitch to drop abruptly as it approaches the plate. A slider, on the other hand, exhibits lateral movement with a smaller and quicker break compared to a curveball. This pitch often requires a slight wrist twist during release to create a spinning motion that moves the ball sideways.
The knuckleball is a unique breaking ball characterized by its unpredictable and erratic movement. This pitch is thrown with minimal spin, causing it to flutter and wobble as it travels toward the batter, making it extremely challenging to hit.
Breaking balls are strategically employed to deceive batters, as the abrupt changes in trajectory make it difficult to anticipate where the pitch will end up. Skilled pitchers utilize breaking balls to keep hitters off balance, disrupt their timing, and induce swings and misses, ultimately providing an advantageous pitching performance.
Common Misspellings for BREAKING BALL
- vreaking ball
- nreaking ball
- hreaking ball
- greaking ball
- beeaking ball
- bdeaking ball
- bfeaking ball
- bteaking ball
- b5eaking ball
- b4eaking ball
- brwaking ball
- brsaking ball
- brdaking ball
- brraking ball
- br4aking ball
- br3aking ball
- brezking ball
- bresking ball
- brewking ball
Etymology of BREAKING BALL
The term "breaking ball" is commonly used in baseball and refers to a type of pitch that moves or breaks sharply as it approaches the batter. The etymology of the term is attributed to the action and movement of the pitch itself.
The word "breaking" in this context refers to the sudden change of direction or movement that the pitch undergoes. It breaks away from its initial trajectory, fooling the batter by appearing as if it will pass through the strike zone but ultimately moving outside of it.
The term "ball" in baseball refers to a pitch that is outside the strike zone, allowing the batter the option to not swing at it. Therefore, a "breaking ball" specifically describes a pitch that breaks or moves in a way that it becomes difficult for the batter to accurately anticipate where it will ultimately cross the plate.
Similar spelling words for BREAKING BALL
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