Pitch Selection

THROW HIGH:

WHEN / WHY:

1. Batter is up in the box.

2. Batter is crouched over plate.

3. Batter has a weak swing or a hitch.

4. Batter attempting to pull the ball.

5. Runner may attempt a stolen base.

6. Defense is expecting a bunt.

7. Defense is looking for a fly ball/pop out.

THROW LOW:

A pitch that is usually thrown between the middle and outside of the plate ankle to waist height.

WHEN / WHY:

1. Batter is back in box.

2. To change speeds to throw off hitter.

3. Hitter looking to go opposite field.

4. Defense is looking for ground ball.

CHANGE-UP:

A pitch that is usually outside and low. It's thrown slower than the fastball.

WHEN/WHY:

1. Hitter is timing your fastball.

2. To change speeds to throw off hitter.

3. Hitter is back in box.

4. Makes your next two pitches look quicker.

DROP BALL:

A pitch that is usually inside. The ball starts as a strike then drops out of strike zone.

WHEN/WHY:

1. same theories as low pitch.

2. A batter is standing straight up.

3. They are timing your fastball well. 4. No one on is best time for this pitch.

RISE BALL:

A pitch which starts as a strike and rises out of the strike zone.

WHEN / WHY:

1. Same theories as the high pitch.

2. Batter is crouched over.

3. batter will chase a pitch high.

PITCH OUT:

A pitch thrown outside to the catcher's throwing position.

WHEN / WHY:

1. Coach feels runner will be going.

2. Check if batter is bunting or slapping.

3. To start pick-off play