ERA lowering article: simple tips

This article is about the importance of getting ahead on a batter and then what is the next important move from there. One of the best things a pitcher can do is get ahead on a batter 0-1. The emphasis of getting that first pitch over for a strike is very beneficial. One of the main reasons for that is because you have to get to 0-1 if you want to get to 0-2. Statistically speaking, hitters in the MLB have the worst batting averages against 0-2 pitches. That being said the MLB batting averages against 0-0 pitches is pretty high. In 2014 Grantland.com shows a chart that says the MLB batting average on 0-0 pitches was .342. So be careful about laying to many meatballs down the middle 0-0.

The next important count to focus on is the 1-1 count. Statistically speaking, the 1-1 count has shown to be the most important count. In the same 2014 chart it shows that MLB hitters hit a terrible .164 in 1-2 counts. It also shows hitters hit .327 in 2-1 counts. That is a .163 difference between the two counts! So when you get a batter 1-1 it is very important to get that next pitch over for a strike.

If your fastball velocity is elite for the level you play at I would recommend pitching aggressively with the fastball and focus on getting ahead in the count at all times. If your velocity is average or below average for your level of competition I would focus on being able to throw all of your different pitches for strikes at any time. Hitters do have success hitting 0-0 pitches because most of the time it is a fastball right down the middle. So as a pitcher with lower velocity it will help to be able to throw all your different pitches for strikes when the counts 0-0. On the contrary, do not be afraid of throwing your fastball 0-0, because 0-0 pitches can be some of the least swung at pitches.

So the next time you pitch look at the pitching chart at the end of the game to see what percentage of the time you threw the first pitch for a strike. Check out how many 0-2 and 1-2 counts you were in and check out how you did in 1-1 counts. After each game write down and chart the percentage of each.