1) Knowing The Hitters....

Pitchers: Knowing the Hitter

To be a consistent winner, a pitcher must analyze the hitter's strengths and weaknessesand use to his advantage. He should use intelligence to pitch to the batter's weakness, especially when ahead in the count. The idea is to make the batter hit a tough pitch. If the hitter is making a mistake, the pitcher should make him pay the price.

Every pitch thrown should be designed to get the batter out. The pitcher should remember that he can't strike anyone out on the first pitch, but he can get an out on the first pitch. Pitchers can use the following ideas about pitching to different kinds of hitters.

1. A right-handed pitcher vs. a right-handed batter should use fastballs high and inside,
fastballs low and away, or curves low and away.
2. A right-handed pitcher vs. a left handed batter should use fastballs low and outside, curves
balls low and inside, or fastballs high and outside.
3. A left-handed pitcher vs. a right-handed batter should use fastballs low and inside, curves
balls low and inside, or fastballs high and outside.
4. A left-handed pitcher vs. a left-handed batter should use curve balls low and away, fastballs
up and in, or fastballs low and away.

5. Pitch a pull hitter low and outside with fastballs or curve balls.
6. Jam the opposite-field hitter with fastballs high and inside.
7. Change speeds and pitch away against the straightaway hitter.
8. If the batter crouches, pitch high and inside.
9. If the batter stands straight up, pitch him down.
10. If the batter steps in the bucket, pitch him low and outside.
11. If the batter lunges or overstrides, throw off-speed pitches or fastballs up and inside.
12. If the batter steps into the plate, pitch him fastballs up and inside.
13. If the batter displays nervousness or white knuckles, make him wait, then throw curves or
change-ups. This tatic is effective in pressure situations.

14. If the batter has a fla (horizontal) bat, pitch down.
15. If the batter has a perpendicular (verticle) bat, pitch up.
16. If the batter holds his hands high, pitch up.
17. If the batter holds his hands low, pitch away.
18. If the batter uses an open stance, pitch him inside.
19. If the batter stands too close to the plate, pitch inside.
20. If the batter uses a closed stance, pitch him outside.

21. If the hitter crowds the plate, throw off-speed pitches.
22. If a hitter stands too deep in the box, use off speed pitches.
23. Crouch hitters like low pitches so pitch them high.
24. Against lunge hitters use change-up or high, tight fastballs.
25. Pinch hitters should be pitched fast and tight, although change-ups are often effective.



2) Hitters: Understanding Your Role....

For many years I've always heard...coach I hit the 4 spot, coach I've hit in the 2 spot but do you really know what role you play in the line-up? Do you know what it takes to he a 2 hole hitter? or for that matter do you know that 9th batter is another lead-off?

Many of you young players must understand that your place in the line up has a specific role, in order to better help your team! Here are a few rules for hitter 1-9.

LEADOFF: The leadoff hitter must have good speed and hit with some power. A good eye and the personality not to worry about statistics are essential because you will be asked to set the table by taking a pitch on 1-0, 2-0, 3-1, and 3-0 counts.

2. SECOND BATTER: The second batter must be an unselfish contact hitter with good speed. Hit-and-run
skills are far more important than sacrafice-bunting skills because tha sacrifice bunt is seldom used.
A left-handed hitter is prefered because with a runner on first base the first baseman will play near the
bag to hold him close.

3. THIRD & FOURTH BATTER: The third batter is usually occupied by a hitter with the highest batting
average, switch hitter is prefered. You must have a good opposite field hitting with some power.
The fourth batter, the clean-up hitter, should make good contact with good power. You need the RBI
mentality.

4. FIFTH BATTER: The fifth batter is the key position in the top of the order. You must be a tough out with
the mental toughness to hit in the clutch. Obviously, homerun power and RBI numbers is the key.

5. SIXTH BATTER: The sixth batter needs some power but not important, you must be able to hit to all
parts of the field and you must be a good RBI man.

6. SEVENTH, EIGHTH, & NINTH: Unlike popular belief these hitters are not your worst hitters in the line-up.
the seventh batter should be a good contact hitter, your job is not to hit for power but to hit for average
and have the ability to get on base. The eigth batter should have characteristics similar to the second
batter, especially the ability to hit breaking pitches. The ninth batter is basically another lead-off hitter,
you must be able to take pitches and get on base for the top of the line-up.