Pitching is an incredibly important skill in baseball. Pitchers have the ability to control the game with the pitches they throw. But how do they know what pitch to throw and when to throw it? This article will cover the different factors that pitchers take into consideration when deciding what pitch to throw. It will also explain the different types of pitches and how they can be used to control the outcome of a game.
Types of Pitches
There are many different types of pitches that pitchers can choose from. Some of the most common pitches include fastballs, curveballs, sliders, and changeups. Fastballs and curveballs are the two most common pitches and are used to throw strikes and get batters out. Sliders and changeups are used to deceive batters and keep them off-balance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Pitch
When selecting a pitch, there are several factors that pitchers should consider. These include the type of batter they are facing, the count, the location of the pitch, and the situation.
Type of Batter
The type of batter a pitcher is facing is an important factor to consider when choosing a pitch. Different batters have different strengths and weaknesses, so a pitcher needs to be aware of these and adjust their pitch selection accordingly. For example, a power hitter who is a good fastball hitter may require a different pitch selection than a contact hitter who is not as successful against off-speed pitches.
Count
The count is also an important factor to consider when choosing a pitch. Pitchers should always have an idea of what type of pitch to throw in different counts. For example, a pitcher may choose to throw a fastball in a 0-2 count to try to get a strikeout, while in a 3-2 count they may choose to throw a curveball or a changeup to try to get a hitter off-balance.
Location of the Pitch
The location of the pitch is another important factor to consider. Pitchers should always be aware of where they are trying to place the pitch in relation to the strike zone. Different pitches can be used to target different parts of the strike zone, so a pitcher should be aware of what type of pitch they want to throw and where they want to throw it.
Situation
Finally, the situation is an important factor to consider when choosing a pitch. Pitchers should always be aware of the score, the inning, the number of outs, and the runners on base. Different pitches can be used to increase or decrease the chances of getting a hit or an out in different situations. For example, a pitcher may choose to throw a curveball in a situation where they need an out, while in a situation where they need to score a run, they may choose to throw a fastball.
Pitch Selection and Sequencing
Pitch selection and sequencing are two important concepts that pitchers must understand in order to be successful. Pitch selection refers to the type of pitch that a pitcher chooses to throw and sequencing refers to the order in which those pitches are thrown.
Pitch Selection
Pitch selection is an important part of a pitcher’s game plan. Pitchers should always have a plan in mind when they are selecting a pitch. They should know what type of pitch they want to throw and why they are throwing it. For example, a pitcher may choose to throw a fastball to try to get a strikeout or a slider to try to get a weak ground ball.
Pitch Sequencing
Pitch sequencing is also an important part of a pitcher’s game plan. Pitchers should always be aware of what pitches they have thrown and in what order. This will help them to keep batters off-balance and be successful. For example, a pitcher may choose to throw a fastball, followed by a curveball, followed by a changeup. This sequence may be effective in keeping the batter off-balance and increasing the chances of getting an out.
Pitch Selection and Reading the Batter
Another important factor for pitchers to consider when choosing a pitch is reading the batter. Pitchers should always be aware of the type of pitches the batter is having success with and which pitches they are having difficulty with. This can help them to adjust their pitch selection accordingly. For example, if a batter is having success with fastballs, a pitcher may choose to throw more off-speed pitches to try to keep them off-balance.
Conclusion
Pitching is an incredibly important skill in baseball. Pitchers have the ability to control the game with the pitches they throw. But how do they know what pitch to throw and when to throw it? This article has covered the different factors that pitchers take into consideration when deciding what pitch to throw, including the type of batter they are facing, the count, the location of the pitch, and the situation. It also explained the different types of pitches and how they can be used to control the outcome of a game. Finally, it discussed the concepts of pitch selection and pitch sequencing, and how reading the batter can help pitchers adjust their pitch selection to be more successful.