SHOULD BATTERS TRAIN TO HIT PITCHES OUT OF THE ZONE

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radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
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Should batters train to
hit pitches out of the zone?
YES
Train on strikes also.

* There are pitches that are out of the strikezone called strikes.
* There will be pitches batters make a commitment to that will move out of the strikezone.
* Not all hits were strikes.
* Training on pitches out of the zone teaches how to make big adjustments. Which can make small adjustments seem like nothing!
* Protecting the plate could be two softballs out of the strikezone.
 
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radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Facing a UCLA pitcher who had a dazzling tremendous change up.
Amongst her other arsenal of pitches....
Threw a riseball over my head in the batters box.
I turned on it, for a base hit, down the line, over 3rd basemans head.

After the game she said
"I new when releasing the pitch got the ball to close to you"

When facing a pitcher who's talent controls the game...
Taking advantage of the pitchers weak moment can work to a hitters favor.
Many conversations about this topic over the years.
Do you not swing waiting for a better strike?
Or put yourself in a position to be controlled by the pitchers arsenal?
She could throw an easier pitch to hit....maybe.

In that at bat that was the easiest pitch to hit!

___________________

This can also come down to phylosophy and strategy.

With runners on 2nd and 3rd
Two outs, bottom of 7th, next batter has been in a slump,
And your best hitter is up.
Are you satisfied with a walk?
Or
Would you rather they go for crushing the pitch?

If its close, go for it?!!!!
 
Last edited:
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
!

___________________

This can also come down to phylosophy and strategy.

With runners on 2nd and 3rd
Two outs, bottom of 7th, next batter has been in a slump,
And your best hitter is up.
Are you satisfied with a walk?
Or
Would you rather they go for crushing the pitch?

If its close, go for it?!!!!

ive had people on this page argue with me when I say a walk isn’t as good as a hit. And this is one of my main points. But some people think getting on base in any way is equal.
 
Jan 27, 2010
1,871
83
NJ
Should batters train to
hit pitches out of the zone?
YES
Train on strikes also.

* There are pitches that are out of the strikezone called strikes.
* There will be pitches batters make a commitment to that will move out of the strikezone.
* Not all hits were strikes.
* Training on pitches out of the zone teaches how to make big adjustments. Which can make small adjustments seem like nothing!
* Protecting the plate could be two softballs out of the strikezone.
YES...it's call staying alive. Questionable pitches on the corners need to be hit or fouled off. Watch some good teams and you may see a dozen pitches fouled off and then a nice hit up the middle. Don't let close ones called strikes sit you on the bench.
 
Jun 6, 2016
2,714
113
Chicago
ive had people on this page argue with me when I say a walk isn’t as good as a hit. And this is one of my main points. But some people think getting on base in any way is equal.

In some situations it is (tie game, bases loaded, bottom of the 7th), but can you show me any of those posts because I highly doubt anybody here actually believes that walks and hits are exactly equal in value. The RE of a single is higher than a walk.
 
Nov 26, 2010
4,784
113
Michigan
In some situations it is (tie game, bases loaded, bottom of the 7th), but can you show me any of those posts because I highly doubt anybody here actually believes that walks and hits are exactly equal in value. The RE of a single is higher than a walk.
Sorry but I don’t have to prove anything to you. I don’t have the desire to search this page for past threads. If you want to believe me or not that’s your choice. I’m happy knowing that what I said is the truth. If it’s important to you, search away.
 

radness

Possibilities & Opportunities!
Dec 13, 2019
7,270
113
Different strategies are part of great competitions!
 

BigSkyHi

All I know is I don't know
Jan 13, 2020
1,385
113
So much of this game relies on what the umpire is giving to the pitcher. If they are calling strikes a ball or two off the plate, we have a choice as coaches to teach how to hit it hard or just stomp our feet in the coach's box with our face in strange contortions 😖.
 
Last edited:
Jul 16, 2013
4,659
113
Pennsylvania
When I work with players in the cages, we will often work on pitch location recognition. I give them a situation before the pitch. None on, no out, less than two strikes... Runner on third, 1 out, two strikes... Etc... In general hitters are going to look for pitches that they can square up, but in some cases that zone needs to be widened, especially with two strikes. Between pitches I will offer feedback explaining what I am looking for. Then as they gain more experience, I simply ask questions, and allow them to provide the feedback.
 

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