Pitching Strategy & Pitch-Calling Basics for All Ages

Short Summary

1. Coach Dan Blewett discusses effective pitching strategies in baseball by breaking down the strike zone into thirds and corners.
2. He emphasizes the importance of understanding “margin for error,” which refers to how much a pitcher can miss their target while still achieving their goal.
3. For aiming for a called strike, pitchers should target the middle of the plate to maximize their chances of success, especially when behind in the count.
4. When aiming for high-quality pitches in the corners, pitchers should be aware that this reduces their margin for error, as even a slight miss can result in a hit.
5. Coaches are advised to teach young players to call their own pitches based on the count, suggesting that different counts correspond to different areas of the plate.
6. For even counts like 1-1 or 2-2, targeting the halves of the plate is recommended for better effectiveness.
7. The speaker outlines specific pitching strategies for different counts, such as focusing on the middle of the plate for favorable counts and targeting corners when ahead.
8. He recommends using inner and outer thirds when ahead in the count, as these pitches can induce weak contact from hitters.
9. Corner and elevated pitches are best for 0-2 counts, aiming for strikeouts while minimizing hits.
10. The speaker highlights the significance of situational awareness and strategic pitch selection to enhance effectiveness on the mound.