VRHS_softball_journal_combined

Players may have heard at one time or another, their coaches telling pitchers to "throw a strike first pitch" to "get ahead of the batter". Pitching coaches have been using this mantra for many years "first pitch strike". We see it at the beginning of every game, most innings and most at bats. Therefore, in a 0-0 count, you can anticipate a Fastball over other pitches. Hitting Approach (0-0) count ● Power Swing - Depending on the situation inside the game (score, inning, batting order, etc.) hitters have the opportunity to drive this pitch. This is a count in which a hitter can unleash their power swing. It is early in the count and we have more opportunity to see another Fastball (if that is what we are looking for) if we miss this pitch.

● 1-0

In this count, the pitcher is behind early and has lost the advantage for the time being. It is reasonable to expect to see a Fastball in this count, regardless of the pitch type prior to this.

Hitting Approach (1-0) count

● Power Swing - Expect a Fastball in this count. You can be selective with this pitch. Hitters do not have to chase the pitch. This is a count in which we want to "hurt" the ball, hit it hard.

● 2-0

The pitcher is behind in the count and one pitch will not bring it back to even. This count provides a high probability that a hitter will see a Fastball as the next pitch. Hitting Approach (2-0) count ● Power Swing - Expect a Fastball in this count. This is a great count to barrel a ball. It is one of two counts in which hitters can concentrate on using their most aggressive swing. ● 2-1 In this count the pitcher can throw one pitch to even the count and then be one pitch from ending the at-bat. In this count, we can expect to see a Fastball but in a location that would require a hitter to chase or change their swing (eg. a pitch that is low and outside or high and inside). Hitting Approach (2-1) count

● Contact Swing - Hitter wants to hit this ball hard, but in control. This is our Fastball count to hit a hard line drive.

● 3-0 The highest probability of a Fastball is the 3-0 count. It is at the coaches discretion if a hitter can swing at this next pitch. More often than not, hitters take this pitch regardless. The pitcher needs to get back into the at-bat and has most likely been trained to understand the hitter is not going to swing at this pitch. Similar to the 0-0 count, the pitcher is going to throw a Fastball down the middle. Hitting Approach (3-0) count ● If your coach has given you the "green light" (permission to swing) and there is one out or LESS, a Power Swing is what a hitter should be thinking.