What to throw, when to throw it
Joe McFarland

Coaching Pitchers

A good catcher knows what sign to throw down. 

 There are three things to consider when deciding what pitch to throw. Obviously the situation often dictates how a batter will be pitched. The pitcher's strengths are equally important, because it is paramount that he or she throw the best pitches. The hitter's weaknesses or mechanical flaws are also a factor. Pitchers' strengths can be learned by spending time with the pitchers in the bullpen and by conversing with the catcher about what is working and what is not. The hitter's weaknesses can be picked up by observation. Pregame batting practice or even the hitter's practice swings in the on-deck circle might tip something off. As for the situation, that will always be changing, so it is best just to stay heads-up and know what is happening on the field.

Game situation 

Pitch selection and location are very important in various game situations.

Here are some examples:

Runner on second base with no outs

The pitch should be inside to a right-handed hitter and outside to a left-handed hitter. Hopefully the ball will be hit to the left side of the infield so that the runner cannot advance to third base.

A double play is needed 

The pitcher should try to throw a pitch at the knees with some kind of sinking movement to instigate the double play.

Playing on a field with a short fence 

The pitcher should try to make the hitter hit the ball to the longest part of the park. If left field is short, the pitcher should work the right-hand power hitters away and the left-handers in.

The game is on the line 

Any time the game is on the line, the pitcher should use his or her best pitch. 

Definite bunt situation 

In the definite sacrifice-bunt situation (close game, zero outs, runner on first base or runners on first and second base), the pitcher should throw fastballs. There is some controversy as to which fastball location is hardest to bunt—high or low. Obviously, excellent out pitches, such as a great slider or hard curve ball, would be hard to bunt. However, most pitchers have more success throwing a fastball.

Often, by hesitating for a long time before pitching, stepping off the rubber, or trying an inside move to second base, the pitcher can get the hitter to square around early, tipping off the bunt. When the hitter squares early, he or she might also tip off a weakness for a certain location of the fastball. If the hitter holds the bat low, a high fastball would be in order because the hitter will have to come up to get the ball, increasing the chances of popping it up. If the hitter starts the bat high, a low fastball would be in order, making the bat travel farther and making it harder for the eyes to pick up the ball.

The pitcher’s strengths 

When calling pitches, one priority has to be the pitcher’s strengths. Whoever is calling the pitches, be it the coach, catcher, or pitcher, must know the pitcher’s strengths and weaknesses.

There are three main things that must be known about the pitcher:

If the pitch caller doesn’t know the pitcher, he may ask the pitcher to do things he or she is not capable of doing. Use the pitcher’s strengths and make the hitter hit the pitcher’s best pitches.

Hitter weaknesses 

The art of calling pitches is to pitch to the hitter’s weaknesses. Watch the hitter and try to learn his or her habits. Study the hitter’s mechanics. Is there a mechanical flaw? If so, try to exploit it. Learn some hitter habits and how to pitch to these types of hitters.

 Here are some things to consider when calling pitches:

Is the hitter a good fastball hitter, or does he or she like slower stuff? 

Does the hitter frequently swing at the first pitch? 

Is the hitter aggressive? Will he or she swing at bad pitches? 

Does the hitter have any mechanical flaws?