Essential Pitch-Count Strategies:

What pitch should be called in the following batter-count?


0-0
Fastball for a STRIKE on a CORNER.



0-1
Breaking ball to FINISH on the Opposite corner that the previous pitch was called.






1-1
A risky pitch is good to throw here.  Like a curve-ball, drop-ball, rise or screw.
The pitch you call should FINISH on the Opposite corner that the previous strike was called.






1-2
If you haven't called an off-speed pitch yet, definitely throw one now!
If you just called a change, curve or drop, try a RISE ball.  You can be very risky!
The pitch you call should FINISH on the Opposite corner that the previous strike was called.






2-2
FASTBALL.
Remember the previous pitch! This pitch can be on the SAME side of the plate, but a little further out if it was an outside pitch, or a little further in if it was an inside pitch.
See if she will chase a ball.






1-0
Throw a pitcher's BEST Movement pitch.  Like a change-up, curve-ball, drop, rise or screw.
If none of her off-speed pitches are working, throw a FASTBALL in the Opposite spot as the previous pitch.










0-2
This can be anything from your pitcher's "Go-To" pitch to a Movement pitch, to a new pitch that hasn't been thrown in a game yet!  You can be very risky, or just end with a sure-strike!




3-1
A pitcher's "Go-To" pitch.
If you're struggling, make sure the target is a broader AREA rather than right on a corner.
For example, set up and aim to hit between the center of the plate and a corner.






3-2
A pitcher's "Go-To" pitch.
If you're struggling, make sure the target is a broader AREA rather than right on a corner.
For example, set up and aim to hit between the center of the plate and a corner.
 
 
 


 

Question For Pitchers, Catchers And Coaches

If you know a batter always swings at the first pitch, call a: ____(what)_____

• call a: pitch on a corner; maybe a little further outside the strike zone
• See if she will chase a pitch outside the zone.

If the pitcher is ahead in the count... And the batter swings and MISSES, throw the next pitch: __(where?)___

• throw the next pitch: in the same area, but a little further outside the strike zone
• See if she will chase a pitch outside the zone.

 

Essential Question For Pitchers, Catchers And Coaches

NEVER THROW: ___(what?)____

• Never Throw: the same pitch twice
• ALWAYS switch up the SPEED and/or the SPOT

Question For Pitchers, Catchers And Coaches

What are SLOW movement pitches?

• Change-up
• Curve-ball
• Drop-ball

What are FAST movement pitches?

• Rise-ball
• Screw-ball 
• 2-Seam