How the Wiffle Ball Design Works

A 1954 patent for a lightweight, perforated plastic ball designed to curve easily when thrown, famously known as the Wiffle ball.

What it covers

The patent describes a hollow, spherical ball made of a lightweight plastic material. The surface features a series of circular holes on one hemisphere, leaving the other hemisphere solid. This uneven weight and air resistance distribution allows the ball to be thrown in ways that cause it to curve or flutter significantly in flight, making it safer and easier to hit than a standard baseball.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover solid balls or balls made of dense materials like rubber or leather.
• —Does not cover balls with holes distributed evenly across the entire surface.
• —Does not cover balls that are not intended for use in games or recreational play.

The clever bit

By intentionally creating an asymmetrical distribution of weight and air drag, the designers turned a manufacturing limitation into a feature that mimics the physics of a curveball.

Why it matters

This design created the entire category of backyard plastic baseball. It allowed children to play a version of baseball in small spaces without the risk of breaking windows or causing injury, becoming a staple of American suburban recreation.

Real-world examples

• 1.The classic Wiffle Ball
• 2.Backyard plastic baseball sets