The name of the game is to throw strikes. A pitchers number one goal should be this. If we throw strikes, we will get contact which is what we want. Many young pitchers think they are suppose to strike out all the hitters. Yes it’s fun, but it shouldn’t be the number one thing on a pitchers mind.
Now that we have established that, lets talk about what hitters like to do. For the most part, the hitter is looking for something out and over the plate. They want something they can get extended on. When hitters only see pitches out over the plate, they get very comfortable. If the pitcher has the ability to do what I mentioned above, throw strikes, his next job is to make the hitter uncomfortable.
I have found the best way to do this is by pounding in with fastballs. I have asked more hitters than I can remember what is the toughest pitch to hit. The answer is always, a well located fastball, especially when it is in. Let me explain what “well located’ means. This is a pitch at the knees, not a few inches above, at the KNEES.
I’m down here in Arizona right now and have a few pitchers using an approach of being relentless with pounding their fastball inside. They have all been very pleased with the success they are seeing with it. This is something that is not taught at the amateur level simply because of metal bats. I say forget that, teach these young pitchers how to make the hitters uncomfortable!!
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.
