The flat side is parallel to the ground so the ball actually sails out of your hand like a flying saucer. The underhand motion lets the ball stay inches above the ground for most of the distance, then rise sharply as it reaches the hitter, allowing the catcher to receive it about waist high. A good pitch will rise three or four feet from the time the batter starts to swing until it reaches the catcher. Even the best hitters will miss it. The rules are simple.
Active players are pitcher, catcher and batter.
If the batter swings and misses and the catcher catches the pitch, the batter is out. But no play. A ball that touches the ground before reaching the catcher is a free swing. A batter may be retired if the catcher catches a hit in the air or if the catcher holds on to a foul tip. A hit must come to rest at least a bat length in front of the batter, and all hits are singles.