What's More Important For Baseball Pitchers: An 0-0 Pitch Or A 1-1 Pitch?

Today, I want to address pitching strategies for 0-0 and 1-1 pitch counts. Plus, why both are perhaps the most important baseball pitching counts to bear down and throw strikes.

"Get Ahead, Stay Ahead"

The most important pitch in baseball is Strike One. You may already know that. But, in my mind, a 1-1 pitch is as equally important as an 0-0 count.

"Why A 1-1 Pitch Is As Important As An 0-0 Pitch"

When you get ahead of a hitter by throwing a 1-1 pitch for a strike, you gain a significant advantage. That's a no brainer, right?

But you may not know just how significant it is. You see, by getting ahead 1-2 you're now able to pigeon hole your opponent: he has to hit your best pitch with a swing that's not likely his best.

However, if your 1-1 pitch is a ball, the hitter instantly pigeon holes you. Now, getting the hitter out becomes more difficult because you become more predictable. (The hitter knows you have to come at him with a strike or you'll run a 3-1 count.) Good hitters will eliminate pitches and find their way on base.

The 1-1 pitch is important. Bear down and throw a strike. Avoid the pigeon hole.

Yours in baseball,

Steven Ellis
The Complete Pitcher™
www.thecompletepitcher.com
www.thecompletepitcher.blogs.com