IF THE PITCHER

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May 24, 2013
12,461
113
So Cal
I often think that comparing our 12 yo girls to MLB hitters is a fools errand.

The comparisons are not about expecting a 12yo to have the same mechanics as an elite MLB hitter, but about using the best-of-the-best as a role model for the movement patterns we are trying to help 12yos develop so they can continue to be successful as they face more challenging competition.
 
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
Compare the ability level of the hitter with the ability level of the pitcher. If the hitter is better, it shouldn't matter. Any pitch in any zone is still in your zone. If the pitcher is better, the hitter has to make some adjustments. That's when you look for something in a specific zone and take anything else. It helps if the hitter understands what the pitcher is trying to do with her pitch sequence. Typically pitchers and catchers are better at this because they understand the process. As the pitcher, your goal is to be unpredictable, making it even more difficult for the hitter to adjust.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
IF THE PITCHER almost never threw fat strikes, *because she has control...
👉What would you do?
👉Would this even affect your approach?

How about its a mental approach thing to help physical results.
Be ready to make bigger adjustments to hit pitchers broader technical locations.
Perhaps, for some, this includes learning to shorten the swing.
Or
Go for ANY pitches in your prime favorite AREA.
meaning if you like inside low
ANYTHING inside becomes a selected pitch.
How about
If the pitchers weapon is her change-up...and batter struggles,
Swing at ANYTHING that isnt a change-up.
Regardless if its a strike or not.

For some these maybe a mental adjustment in approach prior to stepping in the box.
 
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radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
If the pitcher is better, the hitter has to make some adjustments.

Bazzzinga!!!

What adjustments/tools dfp?
Just asking cuz i know some coaches think batters will just magically get on it, but in situations where a pitcher is clearly dominating...
Coaches, Parents, Players are your prepairing for this? How?
Help batters conquer this difficult learning process. Thnx!
 
Last edited:
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
Lol...
its a simple post,
Doesnt matter what the pitcher is throwing,
its this
The pitcher has control and almost never throws fat strikes.

What would you do?
Would this even change your approach?

Except it completely matters! The approach is different depending on the answer.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Except it completely matters! The approach is different depending on the answer.
Pardon me, what i meant by it doesnt matter is...
it doesnt matter your choice
be creative on perspective.

The details of the post is simple.
Up to you to take it from there!
Add whatever you like!!!

The pitcher hardly ever throws fat strikes...because she has control.
Approach?
 
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Jun 26, 2019
256
43
On game day: Watch the pitcher, learn her approach, look for your pitch, whatever that is and when (if) you get it DONT miss because you will probably only get one.

To answer the next question, After game day: Talk about what you would do if you had a game scheduled against the same pitcher again. How would you prepare? Practice as close as possible hitting her spots and pitches? Some other adjustments? There is no shame in getting bested by a pitcher having a good day, but what can you learn from it? You may as well try to learn something, it probably won’t be the last time you face a good pitcher.
 
Last edited:
Mar 10, 2020
734
63
The comparisons are not about expecting a 12yo to have the same mechanics as an elite MLB hitter, but about using the best-of-the-best as a role model for the movement patterns we are trying to help 12yos develop so they can continue to be successful as they face more challenging competition.
MLB batters define what they are doing based on individual abilities. As evident by all MLB not using the same mechanics.
Most people using baseball as a refference pick a favorite player.
Irrelevant to style what type of mechanics they use.
 
Jul 29, 2013
6,782
113
North Carolina
Compare the ability level of the hitter with the ability level of the pitcher. If the hitter is better, it shouldn't matter. Any pitch in any zone is still in your zone. If the pitcher is better, the hitter has to make some adjustments. That's when you look for something in a specific zone and take anything else. It helps if the hitter understands what the pitcher is trying to do with her pitch sequence. Typically pitchers and catchers are better at this because they understand the process. As the pitcher, your goal is to be unpredictable, making it even more difficult for the hitter to adjust.
Great post! It’s fun watching the girls on both sides of the ball who understands this!

Love the word unpredictable! The pitcher, catcher, and pitch caller who understands the job of the pitcher is to disrupt timing will go far in this game!

It’s honestly very simple, you have throwers, and you have pitchers….who think! And their thought process changes after every pitch!
 
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Jun 8, 2016
16,118
113
Ted Williams career average against Bob Feller was .344 and his stated approach was to wait for your pitch (with less than two strikes obviously) 🤷‍♂️ ...Of course that is baseball so...:rolleyes:

"ALMOST NEVER" throwing fat pitches is different than NEVER throwing fat pitches..which no pitcher ever accomplishes.

Even the best pitchers will give you one or two pitches to hit in 10 ABs. You had better not miss them and then you have to hope you are a good enough hitter to barrel up their pitch another few times...that gets you to .344.....
 
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