You Too Can Pitch Like a Pro

This instructable is designed to give you clear instructions on how to pitch well as well as how to manage a game from the mound. It gives instruction on how to read the situation, how to go through each motion, what pitches to throw and how to pick off runners. I also included a few tips and tricks that have helped me when I pitch.

Two things of note, for those who are new to the game:
1) When I say "offspeed", I mean any pitch that is not a fastball.
2) Inside means towards the batter and outside means away from the batter.

Step 1 Know the Situation

Knowing the situation is the most important thing a pitcher can do. The situation determines your motion, pitch selection, and even your pitching rhythm.

How To Assess the Situation:

            1) Know the hitter:
                    -This may not be possible when you face a hitter for the first time but if you face the same hitter over and over again, make sure you study his/her particualr batting style: 
                         a) If they swing at the first pitch a lot, throw something either off speed or out of the strike zone. 
                         b) If they are a patient batter, try to get ahead in the count early.
                         c) If the batter crowds the plate, try to throw more inside pitches to both jam them or back them off the plate.
                         d) If the batter stays away from the plate, throw to the outside half of the plate to make them reach.
                         e) If the batter does not have a particular style, make sure you mix up the speeds and locations of your pitches.

            2) Know the pitch count:
                    -Different pitch counts call for different pitches:
                         a) The first pitch should be a fastball about 90% of the time because it is the most accurate of pitches and a great way to get ahead early in the count.
                         b) If you have an 0-2 count throw something outside of the strikezone to try to change the batter's eye.
                         c) If the count is 3-0 throw a fastball straight down the middle. I say this because most batters will not swing on an 3-0 count and you need to throw a strike.
              
             3) Know the baserunner situation:
                     -Whether or not there are runners on base will affect which pitch you throw as well as what motion you use.
                         a) If there are no runners on base, then you are free to pick which pitching style you are most comfortable with, either the wind-up or the stretch.
                         b) If there are runners on first or second base, use the stretch because it allows you to stop and attempt to throw out runners.
                         c) If there is a runner on third base, then you should stick with the stretch but you can use the wind-up if you wish because the runner is not likely to steal home.

           4) Know the overall game situation:
                   -As a pitcher you are responsible for controlling the other team. You should know where the opposing team's best hitters are in the batting order. You should also know how close the game is and how far the game has progressed.
                       a) If the opposing team's best  hitter is up in the latter half of a close game and there is no one on first, then you should intentionally walk him.
                       b) In the early game, look for teams to be playing aggressive "small ball". This will involve lots of bunting and base stealing. If they are bunting  throw pitches with a lot of movement. If there are runners on base stay away from off speed pitches.
                       c) As the game goes on it becomes more and more important to allow no runs each inning because each inning that ends is one less that your team has to answer.
                      

Comments

[jrekkedal]

Gave you 5 stars just for being a Cubs fan. :)