Instructional Friday: Hitting In Count

Instructional Friday: Hitting In Count

Date: March 29, 2019
By: Eric Leary

For hitters looking to maximize their plate performances with an edge should consider the adage, “failing to plan is planning to fail.” That’s because no matter how fine tuned a swing may be, the best results often go to those that understand when to swing. Hitting plans or approaches can vary widely, yet if the plan is to simply “hit the ball” players may be robbing themselves of opportunities.  

That’s not to say hitters should complicate the matter with a convoluted set of concepts and swing mechanics. Hitting a baseball is already hard enough. Instead, hitters should look to advantage themselves by following a few pre-planned objectives based on the ball-strike count.  The prerequisites of gearing an approach based on the count may start with the player knowing their swing and its strengths. For example, the pull hitter will need to understand middle-in pitches in the zone fit their swing and they must be willing to steer clear of offerings not in those spots at particular times in the count.  

A big swing that might produce some power is in need of a body type and strength that can supply that power. It simply needs to be understood big, long swings can miss and the resulting strikeouts will happen. A hitter with a plan will know when are the best times to take that big swing to hit the ball really hard and far. Hitters need to know that pitch that is optimal for their swing – this is “my pitch” – hitters can’t miss “my pitch.”

Also, players need to keep in mind the offensive philosophy of the team. Though they stand in the box as an individual, baseball is still a team game and situational goals must align with the processes that the coaching staff may have communicated.  

Nonetheless, hitting the count demands that players must gather specific information to be attuned to pitcher tendencies. They must be ready to hit what is going to be thrown when attempting to use the count to their advantage. Simply looking fastball and adjusting to the curve on every pitch is a weak effort to be a prepared batsman.

Thus, hitting the count implies that as the ratio of balls and strikes changes, the outlook on what is trying to be accomplished may be adjustable. At-bats that have value is the overall objective.  The practicality reduces down to which pitches can the hitter hit the best and when are those pitches going to be thrown. This enhances the player’s abilities.

It the player can’t hit curveball, they should look to succeed in fastball counts and be ready.  Attention should be paid to learn what the curve looks like and when is it coming. Also demanded is the discipline not to swing. Discipline is simply making the choice and executing that choice.  

Hitters must understand success rates. Knowing what counts produce the best results and then attempting to execute the plan on those counts can allow the batter to perform with consistency at a rate that serves both the team and personal output. The point of all this is to put the pressure to perform on the pitcher instead of the batter feeling as if they must swing at a pitch that they don’t want to hit.

The following are some count suggestions for a plan that may serve a hitter. Remember, that order in the lineup, the game situation, of course the pitcher and a number of other factors could play into adjustments to any plan.

  • 0-0 … This may be the best pitch a hitter will get in the AB.  Pitchers generally like to throw first pitch strikes. Unless the pitcher has shown a tendency to lead with the breaking ball, hitters may sit on the fastball and try to barrell it regardless of location; they may not get another one.
  • 1-0 … With pitchers not wanting to fall behind 2-0 often must throw a strike. Discipline to serve the team’s needs of moving a runner or getting a “my pitch” can foster a view to limit the pitchers that will be swung at here.   
  • 0-1 … Here the batter with a good 2-strike plan can continue to be selective.  Understand pitch pattern tendencies here.
  • 1-1 … A critical pitch in the at-bat. The difference between batting averages and OB% on the next two counts is huge. Hitters need to have a good idea of pitcher tendencies here and be ready for what they will get.  The confidence in the 2-strike count will determine on how much discipline needs to be used here.
  • 2-1 … Another count that a hitter with a swing that can handle a variety of pitches will be able to show restraint if it isn’t what they are hunting for. Caution. Game situations may allow pitchers with good stuff and savvy to throw a variety of pitches in this situation. Again, knowing tendencies can be a benefit.
  • 2-0, 3-1 … Often called a “hitter’s count” the batter should look My Pitch.
  • 3-0 … Depending on ability and perhaps team offensive philosophy, this pitch can be an opportunity to hammer an attempt by the pitcher to groove one, or an automatic take.
  • 1-2, 2-2, 3-2 … All bets are off at this point. The batter must apply their 2-strike plan in order to survive.  While having an idea of what a pitcher likes to do with two on the batter is always good, no guessing is allowed here.  

And finally, a few suggestions on preparations to work the plan while in the cage or on the field taking batting practice.

  • FPFB drill … That is First Pitch Fastball. One pitch rounds where the hitter has the discipline to hammer a FB close to the zone and lay off anything else.
  • My Pitch Round … Hitters should identify “my pitch” to the BP thrower and only swing at balls in that zone during the round.
  • Critical Counts … After identifying which counts have been giving the batter trouble, they should review what their plan’s objective is on that count and rehearse execution with a variety of options.  This is another opportunity to enhance plate discipline.
  • Simulated AB’s … Putting it all together, hitters should take the AB from beginning to end with consideration of each count and pitch.  Having the batter verbally announce what they are “looking for” and attempting to accomplish before each pitch provides a clear understanding of the plan.

Remember, hitting baseballs is hard.  Having a focused plan at the plate that hitters are comfortable with and have practiced eliminates some of the difficulties associated with the skill.