- May 12, 2013
- 88
- 6
How important are first pitch strikes in 12U?
First pitch strikes
- Thread starter gasfreak
- Start date
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The only reason it is important is if you can get into the other Teams head. Start of the game I like it, middle doesn't matter anymore.
- Jun 12, 2015
- 3,848
- 83
What's a good percentage at that age group?
Good luck with getting an anwser to that.
Younger ages the ball is not going over the fence so get the batter behind if you can, especially with 2 outs.
Younger ages the ball is not going over the fence so get the batter behind if you can, especially with 2 outs.
Define strike.
Do you mean 0-1 in the count? Or are you including balls in play on the first pitch?
It's certainly advantageous to be up 0-1 in the count, but it's probably not as important as some believe. That is, it's probably not significantly more valuable than getting a strike at any point in the at-bat. A pitcher's odds go up significantly for each strike, not just the one at 0-0 in the count. Think about the value of any second strike. Or any third strike, for that matter. When my DD gets a second strike on her, I'm usually thinking oh, crap. But I'm pretty relaxed (albeit not thrilled) when it's 0-1.
- May 12, 2013
- 88
- 6
The reason I asked is the coach seems to call quite a few pitch outs for first pitches and it gets the pitcher behind right from the get go. Just seems wrong knowing even a lot of the better hitting teams take the first pitch.
I think you both might be over thinking this.
Better hitters DD faced will whack the 1st pitch, nothing is getting by them.
Different experiences.
Better hitters DD faced will whack the 1st pitch, nothing is getting by them.
Different experiences.
- Nov 29, 2009
- 2,975
- 83
At 12U the better hitters are starting to understand things more. They will look for the first pitch strike to drive it. The number I like is about 60-70% first pitch strikes with the others close to the zone. Keeps them from sitting on the first pitch.
