Tired of Predictable Pitching? Level Up Your Game!
You’ve got the fastball, the curve, maybe even a nasty changeup. But are you truly maximizing your arsenal? Pitch sequencing is the *secret weapon* that separates good pitchers from GREAT pitchers. It’s about more than just throwing strikes; it’s about strategically outsmarting the hitter, keeping them off balance, and dictating the at-bat. This isn’t about throwing harder, it’s about pitching *smarter*.
Why Pitch Sequencing Matters
Imagine facing the same pitch, in the same location, every single time. Even the best hitters would eventually adjust. Effective pitch sequencing prevents this. It’s about creating uncertainty and disrupting the hitter’s timing and expectations. A well-sequenced series of pitches can make your 88 mph fastball look like 95 mph, simply because the hitter isn’t ready for it.
Key Principles of Effective Pitch Sequencing
- Change Speeds: Don’t just rely on your fastball. Varying speeds is crucial. A well-placed changeup after a couple of fastballs can be devastating. Think fastball, changeup, fastball, curveball – keep them guessing!
- Change Eye Levels: Work the entire strike zone – high, low, inside, outside. Don’t let the hitter get comfortable looking in one spot. A high fastball followed by a low curveball forces the hitter to adjust their swing plane, making it much harder to make solid contact.
- Establish Your Fastball: Your fastball is typically your best pitch, so use it to establish control of the strike zone. But don’t become *too* reliant on it. Use it to set up your other pitches.
- Use Your Out Pitch: Identify your best pitch for getting strikeouts (your “out pitch”). Learn how to set it up effectively with your other pitches. For example, if your curveball is your out pitch, throw a couple of fastballs up in the zone to make the curveball look even sharper when it breaks down.
- Read the Hitter’s Body Language: Pay close attention to the hitter’s stance, swing, and reactions. Are they leaning in, anticipating an inside pitch? Are they late on your fastball? Use these cues to adjust your sequence.
- Don’t Be Afraid to “Waste” a Pitch: Sometimes, a pitch thrown intentionally out of the strike zone can be a valuable tool. It can make the hitter chase, disrupt their timing, or set up a future pitch. For instance, a fastball high and tight can make a hitter more susceptible to an outside breaking ball.
- Practice Different Sequences: Don’t just go out there and wing it! Practice different sequences in bullpen sessions and scrimmages. Develop a plan for different hitting situations and different types of hitters.
Example Pitch Sequences
Here are a couple of basic sequences to get you started (R = Righthanded Pitcher, L = Lefthanded Pitcher):
Against a Right-Handed Hitter (RHP):
- Fastball, inside corner (for a strike)
- Changeup, low and away
- Curveball, breaking down and away
- Fastball, high and tight (to back him off the plate)
Against a Left-Handed Hitter (LHP):
- Slider away
- Fastball in
- Change up
These are just examples, and the best sequence will always depend on the specific hitter, the count, and the game situation. The more scenarios you visualize, the better prepared you will be!
Take Action!
Start paying closer attention to pitch sequencing in your next game or practice. Experiment with different combinations, read the hitters, and see what works best for you. Embrace the mental side of pitching, and you’ll be amazed at the results! You got this!
