Pitching Strategies

Jon( as you probably already know) and anyone else..

A lot depends on the age group and skills of the pitcher. Basically I do not ever believe in "WASTING" one, but that doesn't mean I want my pitcher to throw a strike down the middle of the plate. Every pitch should have a purpose and if you, your catcher and pitcher can get together and come up with a pitching plan, your pitchers will be ahead of most. I'm currently coaching competitive 12U and I like for my pitchers to do one of three thing on almost every pitch and to mix it up to upset the hitters timing. 1. Low and outside (your bread and butter) 2. Inside - on the hands 3. Change speeds. As another response indicated...the given pitch you select is based on what has happen in the previous two.(or 3) If the batter can't keep up with the fast ball why change a good thing. If the hitter is fouling the pitches - change speeds.... My key is to do what I think will be most disruptive to the hitter based on previous history.

That said, most kids under 12, you are happy if they just throw strikes. I believe you teach them to perform as if they are major leaguers... you just adjust you expectations to the outcome.

The final word ... go for the "kill" when its with-in reach. You never know if it will be that close again.