The Pitching Academy

A pitcher should study scouting reports if they are available. Of course, you have to rely on the source you are getting those reports from first. However, when a team plays another team often, a scouting chart is an awesome resource to refer to before you compete against any team. After you face a hitter several times you will find common traits, a hitter’s strengths and weaknesses. Not only will you have a better idea of knowing how to and what to pitch to each opposing hitter, your defense will be able to position themselves to the hitters strengths as well.

After you gather all of this information, there are a few pitching tips you will need to understand before pitching against this team. Before you consider what weaknesses each hitter has, you must understand what your own strengths are as a pitcher. A good coach recognizes each pitchers strengths as he analysis each report. The coach should use a pitcher whose strengths match the opposing team’s weaknesses. That is why, at times, you will see a pitching coach or manager have a pitcher throw to only one batter in a game and another pitcher will come in and finish relieving the game.

What if you don’t have a hitting report and you have never faced an opposing team before? You will have to ask yourself a few questions for each batter. Where in the box do the hitters stand? Where are the hitters feet? How does the hitter stand? Team may know; Who is the best hitter on the team? who's hot and who’s not? Who can steal bases?

If the hitters feet are on top of plate the hitter's weakness is away. If the hitters feet are away from the plate the hitter's weakness is in.

If the hitter stands straight up he is a low ball hitter and if he crouches down he is a high ball hitter.

The point is to be an outstanding student of the game of baseball. You can’t just be a good athlete anymore to become successful at a high level.