Two Pitch-Calling Mistakes that Cause High Pitch Counts

Many young pitchers struggle to get deep into games, instead racking up high pitch counts on long at-bats caused by ineffective pitch-calling strategy. In this article, we’ll discuss common pitch-calling mistakes that cause pitch-counts to inflate too quickly.

Mistake #1: Pursuing Strikeouts on Every Two-Strike Count

The 0-2 count is the right time to pursue a strikeout, as a pitcher is way ahead and eliminates all unlucky outcomes when he strikes a hitter out. On all other counts, however, pitchers should pitch to contact knowing that when they do, strikeouts will still happen–but they’ll end at-bats more quickly and keep pitch-counts low.

Amateur pitchers tend to pitch to unhittable locations when they get into any two-strike count. What often happens is 0-2 becomes 1-2, 1-2 becomes 2-2, and 2-2 becomes 3-2 as a pitcher misses repeatedly. Attempting to throw the perfect strikeout pitch ends up creating long at-bats that become more favorable to hitters over time.

The reality is that hitters aren’t that good, and pitchers fall into the mindset of not wanting to throw a pitch in the strike zone when in a two-strike count. Hitters swing and miss on pitches on the white of the plate all the time, especially at the amateur level.

Watch the video below for an explanation of how curveball locations change in different counts.

Do This Instead: Pitch to Thirds of the Plate on 1-2 and 2-2

A simple solution is sticking with thirds of the plate on 1-2 for all hitters, and 2-2 if the hitter is good enough to warrant it. A pitch located on the outer or inner third is not easy to hit yet still gives a pitcher enough margin for error to throw more strikes and force hitters to swing and put the ball in play.

Mistake #2: Failing to Utilize Halves of the Plate

Most youth pitchers only pitch to two main lateral locations:

– The middle of the plate

– The corners of the plate

Pro and even Major League pitchers slice the plate up into four lateral locations:

– Middle

– Halves

– Thirds

– Corners

The easiest way to use each slice of the plate is by assigning it to common sets of counts:

– Middle: first pitch or behind

– Halves: even counts like 1-1, 2-2, 3-2

– Thirds: 0-1 and 1-2

– Corners: 0-2

Jumping straight from the middle to the corners of the plate leaves the pitchers who are least in command of the baseball (amateurs) with the smallest margin for error. Pitching to the corners of the plate will yield many more well-located pitches that fall just off the plate for balls. Youth pitchers especially need to take aim at more of the white of the plate than the black, giving themselves a better chance of missing their spots yet still getting effective strike calls.

Do This Instead: Utilize the Halves of the Plate Early and Often

Watch the video below for a deeper explanation of how high-level pitchers use the halves of the plate effectively to set themselves up for success later on in the at-bat.

Keep Pitch Counts Low and Earn More Innings

Starters need low pitch counts to get deep into games, and relievers need quick, thrifty innings to bounce back quickly for the next outing. No matter a pitcher’s role, utilizing smart pitch-calling strategies will help him get contribute stronger, longer, more effective outings for his team.

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Dan Blewett

Website at DanBlewett.com

Dan Blewett is a former pro pitcher, baseball academy owner and author of two baseball books. A professional pitcher of six seasons, Dan specializes in pitching and strength and conditioning for baseball and softball players. He speaks to teams, schools and aspiring athletes, and writes for numerous fitness and baseball websites. Visit his pitching website and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more baseball and pitching videos.

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