It’s very tough to pitch in higher elevation cities. Pitchers struggle with it all the time. Sinkers don’t sink. Fly balls fly further than normal. Breaking balls usually don’t have the bite they do when closer to sea level. In my opinion, there are a couple keys to be able to have some success in these places.
First, you better be able to pitch inside with your fastball. And I’m not just talking about going in there a couple times, I’m talking about going in there often enough to make the hitters uncomfortable. Hitters naturally have more confidence in these ball parks since they right away know they have the advantage. Hitters are taught to look for something out over the plate that they can get extended on. Often, they are also taught to let it go inside and look away on the next pitch. I have heard, on many occasions, hitting coaches and hitters say that very rarely will you see a pitcher who can command the inside part of the plate.
When you do go inside, commit to that part of the plate. Tell yourself, if you are going to miss, miss off the plate. It’s ok if you knock someone down or mistakingly hit him, you have to be able to own this side of the plate, especially in those higher elevation places. Get comfortable at pitching inside for balls and strikes and you will see more success.
Second, and this goes for anywhere, you need to learn what “Down in the zone” really means. Five inches above the knee is NOT down in the zone. Down in the zone is the knee caps or lower. Pitchers often fool themselves thinking they made a great pitch, but most of the time if they are able to go back and look at it on video, or ask their catcher, they will realize the pitch wasn’t where they thought it was. When throwing a bullpen session, you need to focus on this. If you throw a pitch that is too high, have a coach or the catcher tell you how high it was and get the next one down. Develop that muscle memory you need to get it down consistently. Become a good self evaluator and be able to recognize when you made a good pitch or bad pitch.
Command the inside part of the plate and the bottom of the zone and you will have more success in not just the higher elevation cities, but anywhere you pitch.
Founder of Baseball Dudes. Blessed with three beautiful children and an amazing wife. Baseball is my life, after my family, and I love sharing what I have learned from it. Thanks for taking the time to view what we offer here at Baseball Dudes.
