You are a born teacher and I commend you for your high standards and methodical approach. I am learning a lot watching your videos and they are top notch on RUclips. Wish you the best
Since I was introduced to your videos I find myself holding myself to a higher standard. I'm so happy to have found your channel. Thank you for the informative advise!
Good to see you again! Not many areas are playing right now but it's a fantastic time to be going out every day and practicing. (those of you that have a yard...harder here in NYC)
Hello Coach, Are you still producing videos on pitching? If not, how can I get in touch with you for some assistance. I’m 72 yrs old, who just pitched his first season. I have not played softball since I was in my late 20’s. Your fundamentals and critical-thinking videos have given me a context to become an effective pitcher over the long term. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks - Frank
I don't think our leagues are going to happen this year. It breaks my heart but at least I can work on my command. Now I just need a big enough yard to build a spot to pitch.
I am a new subscriber and hoping that you have a video on pitching sequence. For example, how do you approach an unknown hitter? How do you approach a hitter that you know has a tendency to swing at the first pitch, pull the ball, etc.
Hey man these vids have helped a -TON-. I had a couple questions and didnt know where to post them so I'm guessing here is a good one - Any specific drills you have for pitch location? I'm hitting high power strikes on home plate very well but still can't hit inside/outside on command. At the moment I just adjust where i am on the bump but I dont want to telegraph to the hitter where I'm aiming - My knuckler gets NUKED even when I get it high enough and without spin. I can't throw it steadily enough yet to alternate between power strike and knuckler but I'm also hesitant to incorporate it into early innings/tight games because, well, nuked. Thanks!!
when i started all i knew about were the backspin and forespin pitches... that was as much variety as i thought existed... however,i could throw them both for stikes so all i gained was the fact one floated a little more than the other... but before i ever pitched i played 3rd base for a long time... my glove made me the best pitcher out there... once i discovered the slider, it was so erratic in terms of how much movement i got that the hitters didn't know any better than i did what it was going to do... that alone worked in my favor a lot of the time... when i threw a good slider and followed it up with one with less or nothing, i still got a lot of swings... once i found out why it moves and how to adjust when it's not moving it turned into a pitch i could use anytime rather than just when i was ahead in the count... that's why i've developed an approach that incorporates that deception in my game plan... especially when you face the same hitters over and over... i still haven't ben able to develop a screwball though... i need to start working on it again... i've got a concrete wall at work i've been keeping my arm loose with but i haven't been using it to pitch... for some dumb reason... anyways... it's good to see you back ace... almost always when you talk about playing the game, i agree completely...
Hey @weeknightace. I love the videos. You have replied to one of my questions last year about approach to batter hogging the plate. Anyway, I have some comments and questions for you. 1. My approach to each batter. I have a number of pitches. 1 screwball"best pitch". 2 Knuckle 3. Backspin. 4. Curve. 5. Normal How is this approach? 1-1 count. I throw 1st pitch screwball inside corner. 2nd pitch screwball outside corner deep. 2nd time threw their lineup I do the opposite what I did the 1st time through. My thinking is it will keep them guessing. I get into trouble with that approach at times. It feels effective when done right, but there is this team that I play against for years, seasoned vets, all over 35 and over. They love that outside pitch all day. I attack inside on them all day and we typically split the games throughout the season. Teams that love that outside pitch of a screwball, what pitch would u suggest I use??? Also, can u do a video on location for each pitch that is recommended to get batters out. Location for each of my pitches that I throw. Or if u can just reply here in the comments. Thanks for the tips and look forward to more videos.
Hi Austin, thanks for the props. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun pitching. As to your pitch sequence, there are many ways to go after hitters, and it looks like you've found a successful approach. I noticed that you don't have a slider in your pitch selection. The slider is a pitch that could enhance the effectiveness of your screwball as it breaks in the opposite direction. Just so we're on the same page, the screw-ball breaks away from your glove hand side to your pitching arm side. The slider breaks the opposite direction from your pitching arm side to your glove hand side. You mentioned, your opponent likes to hit the outside screw-ball. A good counter to this is the outside slider breaking away as they are used to seeing the screw-ball break back in. The slider starting over the middle and then cutting away would cause them to hesitate and affect their timing. It could also induce hits off the end of the bat, reducing power. There are countless creative ways to mix the slider in with the screwball to slow down an offense. Let me know how it goes, good luck!
try using deception... movement pitches have to be oriented the right way to work... all you have to do is rotate the ball a little in your grip and the amount of movement will vary... you can throw a slider [or a screwball] with the exact same motion with a different grip to get less movement or even none... that keeps hitters guessing... same delivery... different results... give it a try... those guys that like the outside pitch... try this sequence... 1 - screwball outside that lands as a strike on the inside... if they swing... you won... 2- screwball way outside that comes back in about 6 inches off the plate... if they swing... you won... 3- now repeat pitch #1 except turn the ball in your hand 90 degrees to get no movement... if they expect it to come inside, they won't be in a position to do what they like to do when it doesn't move... you win... 3a- you might also try throwing this pitch to the inside... if they expect it to break in for a ball and it doesn't.. they might even just watch it hit the plate for strike 3... keep in mind... when you use deception like this... your possibilities of how to approach hitters opens way up... you just added 2 new pitches to your arsenal... when you figure out how to make it break halfway, that's 2 more... deception rocks in slowpitch softball...
Suggestion. Can you do a video on how to work on defensive skills while pitching? Like as I’m not getting killed. By someone hitting at you. I need to practice catching grounders etc on live hitting
Trey, defensive play, and backup assignments are part of a series in the works. I do give a brief description of the "finish" position toward the end of video 2 of 4 Power Pitching. I'll link it here at the end of this comment. We'll cover the pitcher's primary defensive assignments in our future series, "The Basics." Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks and good luck! ruclips.net/video/2gBq-kjQNVQ/видео.html
I would also like to learn defensive skills after the pitch is thrown. Where I live we currently have leagues running. We are 4-1 but I’ve found I’m really lacking in the defensive positioning department. Thanks for all your hard work!
Would you be able to make a video on the mechanics on how to pitch a normal ball. Like a video for beginners on the very standard techniques for slo pitch pitchers. Thanks
Yes Yusuf, It's funny you ask. I'm working on my next video now, titled - Pitching Basics - Slow Pitch Softball Subtitle: Everything you should know before pitching your first game. Stay in touch to watch it. I will be showing a basic pitch that beginning pitchers can work with and master.
Wesley, we play ten games per season, not counting the postseason. Our league has six teams, and we play each team twice per season. The teams in our league are relatively stable, so after a few games, I get to know the hitters pretty well. There are a few other things to look for if you're not familiar with a batter. I won't go into all of them here, but one example is; if he crowds the plate, he generally likes to pull the ball, if he stands away, he can go oppo. Good luck!
Video idea. How do you approach adjusting for the wind when you are pitching? I'm still a beginner pitcher, but feeling pretty good about my command at least in practice. But then it was windy the other day and it really threw me off. I'm sure this is something you have to deal with all the time while pitching, do you have any tricks for approaching it both mentally and physically?
Great question, Brian! Yes, the wind is a routine issue when pitching, but windy conditions sometimes work in your favor. My favorite direction for wind is from the first base side as it improves the break on my screwball, breaking into the right-handed batter. If the wind is from the 3rd base side, then my slider gets a lot of work as it breaks into the lefties and hard away from right-handed batters. Breaking pitch strategy is a deep subject that I won't get into here, but I'll say the wind or wind direction will change pitch selection. As a beginner, you may not be throwing breaking pitches yet, but the same principle applies. By compensating for drift, you can start the ball toward one place and let the wind push it to your intended target. With experience pitching in windy conditions, you'll start to get a "feel" for it. You can make a lot of trouble for hitters once you get the hang of it. Good Luck!
What’s the distance your practice rubber is to the front of the plate. I’ve put mine at 51’ pretty sure that’s close I’ll have to measure next time I’m at the field
I have noticed you wearing a Seminole County shirt. Are you located in Florida? I'm 68 and have been pitching for 48 years . Since moving to Fl 10 years ago playing a lot of Tournament ball. I need to come up with a couple of more pitches at these higher levels. If you are in Fla, are you open to some private lessons? Thx
I am a new pitcher this season and have been watching and studying your videos and working on incorporating your advice into my practice. I do have a question however, what is your advice or opinion on the stutter movement before the pitch to throw off the timing of the batter?
Jacob, In principle I have no problem with any pre-pitch motion used to distract the batter as long as it doesn't affect your command. Disciplined hitters will usually ignore pre-release movement and reset their timing once the ball is released. I don't think the stutter motion is worth the trade off for poor pitch control.
Hello. I have been trying your pitches. However today was a hiot, dusty day and the pitch was getting stuck in my hand. This is only happened recently and it is only during hot and muggy days. What can I do to fix this ? Please let me know. Thanks !!
M Strachan, I also have problems with my pitch release when my hands get sweaty. If it's not raining or wet, I usually grab a hand full of clay and rub my hands together with the ball, and this gives me a dry grip. You can also use powdered rosin. I keep a bag of it in my gear bag all the time.
Thanks for the reply. However were as dry as humanly possible. They were pretty dirty with all the shale being placed on the ball. It seemed that the opposite was needed. Once I cleaned the balls and my hands I was able to pitch again.
I’m a woman with small hands. I have a good straight pitch that I can change height & location. Do you think there is a specific pitch I should concentrate on learning since my hands are small?
Hi Daisy. If you're a righty, the first alternate pitch I suggest learning after the straight backspin pitch is the screwball. It breaks inside to right handers and is a good control pitch for keeping balls hit to the 3rd base side of the field. You will also get plenty of foul ball strikes down the 3rd base line. Here is the video with more information: ruclips.net/video/8y79cAZw1g4/видео.html
@@utah32804 Yes I am a righty. My league starts us with a 1-1 count, so getting that 1st pitch strike is crucial in putting the pressure on the batter. Thank you. Going to practice the backspin and screwball.
love your vedio, i learn screwball pitching form your vedio, but it's too too hard to pitch a slideball, i feel painfull at by elbow, wish you will have more vedio about slideball
Yes Lee, the slide can cause soreness in you elbow and shoulder. The trick is to NOT rotate your arm when you're throwing the slider. You should rotate your arm going back to the windup, and then hold that position, not rotating your arm going forward on the delivery. Only your wrist should turn on the delivery. Let me know if that helps.
Do you have any suggestions for strike mat leagues? Due to Covid, our league has moved to strike mats so the umpires can stand farther away. This really reduces the effectiveness of a breaking pitch as it still needs to hit behind the plate as opposed to catching corners, etc.
Adam, If you can't get the low corners, you may need to change things up a bit. Sometimes when I can't get the low strike call, I'll go to a "high and fast" approach. This pitch is illegal because it's flat, and you have to work on it in practice to get it to look right. On a hitting count, you pitch it fast right over the middle. It should look like a straight pitch, but the velocity will keep it from dropping in the zone. You'll get called illegal sometimes, but if it looks good, a lot of guys will swing and pop it up. Just be sure your catcher knows it's coming. I'll be making a video on this pitch, and how to set it up sometime in the future. Thanks!
C+ pitcher but A- hitter! It is a problem that I move a C- pitcher to another position, there is a reason he moved to pitcher. Also, what's your take on pump fakes, quick pitch, different angles and deception, A high level pitcher said I don't do enough.
Ryan, here's the thing about the tricks used by "high level" pitchers. Pitching strategies should be adjusted for the level of the hitter, not the pitcher. Let's consider timing. Pro-level hitters have their timing dialed in so tight that they can hit 19 out of 20 pitches right on the screws, whereas your average league player may only square up on 3 out of 4 pitches. So, movement may be more effective on the league hitter as he already struggles with consistent timing. The pro-level hitter can easily see movement on a slow-pitch and adjust his swing. Disrupting timing, on the other hand, maybe the only way to slow him down. My opinion is that quality hitters will get their hits no matter what you do, so the trick is to slow them down. You should measure your success by trimming a few runs off your average ERA over a season and not worry too much about a particular hitter or game.
You are a born teacher and I commend you for your high standards and methodical approach. I am learning a lot watching your videos and they are top notch on RUclips. Wish you the best
Since I was introduced to your videos I find myself holding myself to a higher standard. I'm so happy to have found your channel. Thank you for the informative advise!
I just picked up pitching and wanted to say that your videos have been helping A TON!
Good to see you again! Not many areas are playing right now but it's a fantastic time to be going out every day and practicing. (those of you that have a yard...harder here in NYC)
Hello Coach,
Are you still producing videos on pitching? If not, how can I get in touch with you for some assistance.
I’m 72 yrs old, who just pitched his first season. I have not played softball since I was in my late 20’s. Your fundamentals and critical-thinking videos have given me a context to become an effective pitcher over the long term. Look forward to hearing from you. Thanks - Frank
Love your videos, learned a lot and changed a lot. Thank you for the great info.
Glad you are back. You produce quality content. I would like to see some game footage of you pitching and fielding.
Yeah, would love to be playing... haven't played in months. Maybe by the fall our league will open again.
@@utah32804 Our manager contacted us about a potential June 22 start at Red Bug. Haven't seen an official notice yet.
I throw straight knucklers in my league. I want to practice my 2nd and 3rd pitches. Your videos are very helpful :)
I don't think our leagues are going to happen this year. It breaks my heart but at least I can work on my command. Now I just need a big enough yard to build a spot to pitch.
I am a new subscriber and hoping that you have a video on pitching sequence. For example, how do you approach an unknown hitter? How do you approach a hitter that you know has a tendency to swing at the first pitch, pull the ball, etc.
Hey man these vids have helped a -TON-. I had a couple questions and didnt know where to post them so I'm guessing here is a good one
- Any specific drills you have for pitch location? I'm hitting high power strikes on home plate very well but still can't hit inside/outside on command. At the moment I just adjust where i am on the bump but I dont want to telegraph to the hitter where I'm aiming
- My knuckler gets NUKED even when I get it high enough and without spin. I can't throw it steadily enough yet to alternate between power strike and knuckler but I'm also hesitant to incorporate it into early innings/tight games because, well, nuked.
Thanks!!
Thank you for your information, I started pitching July 11,2021......I have 6900 practice pitches in
when i started all i knew about were the backspin and forespin pitches... that was as much variety as i thought existed... however,i could throw them both for stikes so all i gained was the fact one floated a little more than the other... but before i ever pitched i played 3rd base for a long time... my glove made me the best pitcher out there...
once i discovered the slider, it was so erratic in terms of how much movement i got that the hitters didn't know any better than i did what it was going to do... that alone worked in my favor a lot of the time... when i threw a good slider and followed it up with one with less or nothing, i still got a lot of swings... once i found out why it moves and how to adjust when it's not moving it turned into a pitch i could use anytime rather than just when i was ahead in the count... that's why i've developed an approach that incorporates that deception in my game plan... especially when you face the same hitters over and over...
i still haven't ben able to develop a screwball though... i need to start working on it again... i've got a concrete wall at work i've been keeping my arm loose with but i haven't been using it to pitch... for some dumb reason...
anyways... it's good to see you back ace... almost always when you talk about playing the game, i agree completely...
Thanks Willy! Always good to get your perspective.
Hey @weeknightace. I love the videos. You have replied to one of my questions last year about approach to batter hogging the plate. Anyway, I have some comments and questions for you.
1. My approach to each batter.
I have a number of pitches. 1 screwball"best pitch". 2 Knuckle
3. Backspin. 4. Curve. 5. Normal
How is this approach? 1-1 count. I throw 1st pitch screwball inside corner. 2nd pitch screwball outside corner deep. 2nd time threw their lineup I do the opposite what I did the 1st time through. My thinking is it will keep them guessing. I get into trouble with that approach at times. It feels effective when done right, but there is this team that I play against for years, seasoned vets, all over 35 and over. They love that outside pitch all day. I attack inside on them all day and we typically split the games throughout the season. Teams that love that outside pitch of a screwball, what pitch would u suggest I use??? Also, can u do a video on location for each pitch that is recommended to get batters out. Location for each of my pitches that I throw. Or if u can just reply here in the comments. Thanks for the tips and look forward to more videos.
Hi Austin, thanks for the props. It sounds like you're having a lot of fun pitching.
As to your pitch sequence, there are many ways to go after hitters, and it looks like you've found a successful approach. I noticed that you don't have a slider in your pitch selection. The slider is a pitch that could enhance the effectiveness of your screwball as it breaks in the opposite direction. Just so we're on the same page, the screw-ball breaks away from your glove hand side to your pitching arm side. The slider breaks the opposite direction from your pitching arm side to your glove hand side.
You mentioned, your opponent likes to hit the outside screw-ball. A good counter to this is the outside slider breaking away as they are used to seeing the screw-ball break back in. The slider starting over the middle and then cutting away would cause them to hesitate and affect their timing. It could also induce hits off the end of the bat, reducing power. There are countless creative ways to mix the slider in with the screwball to slow down an offense.
Let me know how it goes, good luck!
try using deception... movement pitches have to be oriented the right way to work... all you have to do is rotate the ball a little in your grip and the amount of movement will vary... you can throw a slider [or a screwball] with the exact same motion with a different grip to get less movement or even none... that keeps hitters guessing... same delivery... different results... give it a try...
those guys that like the outside pitch... try this sequence...
1 - screwball outside that lands as a strike on the inside... if they swing... you won...
2- screwball way outside that comes back in about 6 inches off the plate... if they swing... you won...
3- now repeat pitch #1 except turn the ball in your hand 90 degrees to get no movement... if they expect it to come inside, they won't be in a position to do what they like to do when it doesn't move... you win...
3a- you might also try throwing this pitch to the inside... if they expect it to break in for a ball and it doesn't.. they might even just watch it hit the plate for strike 3...
keep in mind... when you use deception like this... your possibilities of how to approach hitters opens way up... you just added 2 new pitches to your arsenal... when you figure out how to make it break halfway, that's 2 more... deception rocks in slowpitch softball...
Suggestion. Can you do a video on how to work on defensive skills while pitching? Like as I’m not getting killed. By someone hitting at you. I need to practice catching grounders etc on live hitting
Trey, defensive play, and backup assignments are part of a series in the works. I do give a brief description of the "finish" position toward the end of video 2 of 4 Power Pitching. I'll link it here at the end of this comment. We'll cover the pitcher's primary defensive assignments in our future series, "The Basics." Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks and good luck! ruclips.net/video/2gBq-kjQNVQ/видео.html
I would also like to learn defensive skills after the pitch is thrown. Where I live we currently have leagues running. We are 4-1 but I’ve found I’m really lacking in the defensive positioning department. Thanks for all your hard work!
Would you be able to make a video on the mechanics on how to pitch a normal ball. Like a video for beginners on the very standard techniques for slo pitch pitchers. Thanks
Yes Yusuf, It's funny you ask. I'm working on my next video now, titled - Pitching Basics - Slow Pitch Softball
Subtitle: Everything you should know before pitching your first game. Stay in touch to watch it. I will be showing a basic pitch that beginning pitchers can work with and master.
I understand your reasoning for having a plan for each batter. With so many players per league, how do you keep track of each players tendencies?
Wesley, we play ten games per season, not counting the postseason. Our league has six teams, and we play each team twice per season. The teams in our league are relatively stable, so after a few games, I get to know the hitters pretty well. There are a few other things to look for if you're not familiar with a batter. I won't go into all of them here, but one example is; if he crowds the plate, he generally likes to pull the ball, if he stands away, he can go oppo. Good luck!
Video idea. How do you approach adjusting for the wind when you are pitching? I'm still a beginner pitcher, but feeling pretty good about my command at least in practice. But then it was windy the other day and it really threw me off. I'm sure this is something you have to deal with all the time while pitching, do you have any tricks for approaching it both mentally and physically?
Great question, Brian! Yes, the wind is a routine issue when pitching, but windy conditions sometimes work in your favor. My favorite direction for wind is from the first base side as it improves the break on my screwball, breaking into the right-handed batter. If the wind is from the 3rd base side, then my slider gets a lot of work as it breaks into the lefties and hard away from right-handed batters. Breaking pitch strategy is a deep subject that I won't get into here, but I'll say the wind or wind direction will change pitch selection.
As a beginner, you may not be throwing breaking pitches yet, but the same principle applies. By compensating for drift, you can start the ball toward one place and let the wind push it to your intended target.
With experience pitching in windy conditions, you'll start to get a "feel" for it. You can make a lot of trouble for hitters once you get the hang of it. Good Luck!
@@utah32804 Thank you!!!
I am still waiting for that game video to see you pitching the whole game. ;-)
Hi DJ, Haven't played in months. You know the virus. Maybe our league will open by the fall.
@@utah32804 Yes, I haven't either. I am anxious to go back. LOL....Thanks for the advice as always. Good video
What’s the distance your practice rubber is to the front of the plate. I’ve put mine at 51’ pretty sure that’s close I’ll have to measure next time I’m at the field
ASA and USSSA distances are 50' from the front of the pitching plate to the back tip (top of the house) of the home plate.
I have noticed you wearing a Seminole County shirt. Are you located in Florida? I'm 68 and have been pitching for 48 years . Since moving to Fl 10 years ago playing a lot of Tournament ball. I need to come up with a couple of more pitches at these higher levels. If you are in Fla, are you open to some private lessons? Thx
Hi Joe, I've done some limited instruction. My schedule is pretty full at the moment but keep in touch. Thanks for watching!
@@utah32804 Do you play in any of the FHC tourneys, if so which team. May be we could touch base at a tourney. Thx Joe P
over 8500 practice pitches in now, have started a slider that moves dramatically to the left. do you experience burn out? what do you do about it?
I am a new pitcher this season and have been watching and studying your videos and working on incorporating your advice into my practice. I do have a question however, what is your advice or opinion on the stutter movement before the pitch to throw off the timing of the batter?
Jacob, In principle I have no problem with any pre-pitch motion used to distract the batter as long as it doesn't affect your command. Disciplined hitters will usually ignore pre-release movement and reset their timing once the ball is released. I don't think the stutter motion is worth the trade off for poor pitch control.
Hello. I have been trying your pitches. However today was a hiot, dusty day and the pitch was getting stuck in my hand. This is only happened recently and it is only during hot and muggy days. What can I do to fix this ? Please let me know. Thanks !!
M Strachan, I also have problems with my pitch release when my hands get sweaty. If it's not raining or wet, I usually grab a hand full of clay and rub my hands together with the ball, and this gives me a dry grip. You can also use powdered rosin. I keep a bag of it in my gear bag all the time.
Thanks for the reply. However were as dry as humanly possible. They were pretty dirty with all the shale being placed on the ball. It seemed that the opposite was needed. Once I cleaned the balls and my hands I was able to pitch again.
I’m a woman with small hands. I have a good straight pitch that I can change height & location. Do you think there is a specific pitch I should concentrate on learning since my hands are small?
Hi Daisy. If you're a righty, the first alternate pitch I suggest learning after the straight backspin pitch is the screwball. It breaks inside to right handers and is a good control pitch for keeping balls hit to the 3rd base side of the field. You will also get plenty of foul ball strikes down the 3rd base line. Here is the video with more information: ruclips.net/video/8y79cAZw1g4/видео.html
@@utah32804 Yes I am a righty. My league starts us with a 1-1 count, so getting that 1st pitch strike is crucial in putting the pressure on the batter. Thank you. Going to practice the backspin and screwball.
love your vedio, i learn screwball pitching form your vedio, but it's too too hard to pitch a slideball, i feel painfull at by elbow, wish you will have more vedio about slideball
Yes Lee, the slide can cause soreness in you elbow and shoulder. The trick is to NOT rotate your arm when you're throwing the slider. You should rotate your arm going back to the windup, and then hold that position, not rotating your arm going forward on the delivery. Only your wrist should turn on the delivery. Let me know if that helps.
you might also try to learn a forehand slider... no unusual pressure at all on anything...
Do you have any suggestions for strike mat leagues? Due to Covid, our league has moved to strike mats so the umpires can stand farther away. This really reduces the effectiveness of a breaking pitch as it still needs to hit behind the plate as opposed to catching corners, etc.
Adam, If you can't get the low corners, you may need to change things up a bit. Sometimes when I can't get the low strike call, I'll go to a "high and fast" approach. This pitch is illegal because it's flat, and you have to work on it in practice to get it to look right. On a hitting count, you pitch it fast right over the middle. It should look like a straight pitch, but the velocity will keep it from dropping in the zone. You'll get called illegal sometimes, but if it looks good, a lot of guys will swing and pop it up. Just be sure your catcher knows it's coming. I'll be making a video on this pitch, and how to set it up sometime in the future. Thanks!
C+ pitcher but A- hitter! It is a problem that I move a C- pitcher to another position, there is a reason he moved to pitcher. Also, what's your take on pump fakes, quick pitch, different angles and deception, A high level pitcher said I don't do enough.
Ryan, here's the thing about the tricks used by "high level" pitchers. Pitching strategies should be adjusted for the level of the hitter, not the pitcher. Let's consider timing. Pro-level hitters have their timing dialed in so tight that they can hit 19 out of 20 pitches right on the screws, whereas your average league player may only square up on 3 out of 4 pitches. So, movement may be more effective on the league hitter as he already struggles with consistent timing. The pro-level hitter can easily see movement on a slow-pitch and adjust his swing. Disrupting timing, on the other hand, maybe the only way to slow him down. My opinion is that quality hitters will get their hits no matter what you do, so the trick is to slow them down. You should measure your success by trimming a few runs off your average ERA over a season and not worry too much about a particular hitter or game.