Baseball Basics: Pitching Strategy
In the modern-day game of baseball, it is a necessity for every pitcher to have a strong command over the various varieties of pitches from the normal pacer to the extremely multifaceted slider. His task is not just to stand at the mound and throw at the
batter but to combat the mind-set of the entire batting line-up and restrict the opposition from scoring runs.
If the pitcher does not possess a wide repertoire of deliveries, it would not take the opposition long to unglue the pitcher and impose pressure on the bull-pen. Therefore, the starting pitcher, at least, should be skilled.
It is necessary for the pitcher to have control on whatever deliveries he plans to pitch. A slightest mistake can result in a home-run and even a Grand Slam, i.e. four-runs if all bases are loaded. A good pitcher will usually have three to four varieties
in his weaponry; however, a technically sound pitcher can do well with two varieties too.
A sound pitching strategy is vital for success at Major League Baseball. The starting pitchers should ideally aim to get as many outs as possible along with halting the run scoring. The pitchers are at an advantage when the game is played on a pitcher’s
ballpark, i.e. conditions and dimensions support the pitchers.
There are more chances that airborne hits will result in fly outs and home-runs will not come at will. The pitchers would aim to swing the ball late, just when it is about the reach the batter.
In a batter’s ballpark, nonetheless, the pitchers who have good command over the sinking ball tend to succeed as they are able to produce more strike-outs. A strong defensive infield will further help the cause of the team in such circumstances.
The pitching strategy is not limited to the starting pitcher only. This comes to play even when the relief pitchers and the closers take position on the mound. The relievers are usually required to pitch no more than one inning and thus do not require much
variation in their arsenal. They usually confine themselves to the fast ball and attempt at getting through with their spell while the batters adjust to their pace ball. However, an added variety is a bonus for the team.
The pitchers, regardless of them being starters or relievers, attempt to pitch the ball towards the body of the batter so that he has minimal room to produce hits. In baseball, it is usually hard to drive the ball as compared to pulling the ball and a throw
towards the body reduces the probability of a pull coming into play. The pitcher, however, should have great precision in his pitching and needs to assure that his throws remain within the striking zone.
The pitchers need to select one of the two commonly used and the only legal pitching motions. They commonly abide by the Wind-up motion which is the more traditional style of pitching. The pitcher cannot stop his motion once he has started and it is a signal
for the runner to steal a base. To counter this, the pitchers use the stretch motion which is relatively faster and allows the pitcher a chance to get the runner out as he attempts to steal base. However, the latter motion is not effective for pitching.
It should be noted that the pitchers, or any other team member for that matter, is not allowed to tamper with the ball, spit on it or apply dust to it.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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