Pitch calling rules #1, #2, #3, #4, #etc

I was intrigued by the post that had Bill Hillhouse's reference to pitch calling rule #1- No riseballs late in a one run game. I also saw Bill reference that we need to teach catcher's how to call a game. Probably some coaches could use this advice, also.

So in an effort to help the softball community, im starting a post in the rule # rank format for what are the rules on pitch calling.
I know there are many different strategies and some disagreement on pitch calling, but maybe we can come up with some info to help the pitching community.

So rule # 1- No Riseballs after the fifth inning in a tight game (from BH)

Whats #2?

Also would like to see some of the strategy behind pitch calling. Ex. with runners on base, top/bottom of lineup, etc.

The #1 rule should be for coaches to realize that they don't have a pitch calling skill. If they don't have credible data on a particular batter they should call pitches to the pitchers strengths and not to the batters perceived weakness.

Assuming a pitcher has developed good command. In general, it's important to get 2 strikes on the first 3 pitches without throwing one down pipe. Getting ahead in the count 1-2 allows the pitcher to use the 4th pitch to set up the batter for her out pitch. Obviously, a pitcher must know ahead of time what her out pitch will be against a particular batter. This may be a batter's perceived weakness and/or a pitcher's strength. On a 0-2 count, a pitcher has the option of using 1 or 2 pitches to set up the hitter.

The key to setting up a hitter is to have a setup pitch contrast an out pitch. This can include a contrast in location, movement and/or speed. If a pitcher can combine good command with movement and/or change of speed, she will become that much more effective. Of course, certain game and ROB situations can call for certain pitch locations.

Know your pitcher. HC was calling pitches for our 12u team. Was constantly having them throw changeups and drops early in the count. Then getting frustrated and just telling them to throw a fastball when they were behind in the count. Any hit would be met with "we have to throw something other than a fastball or its going to get hit." Lots of walks. Girls are still learning. Handed over pitch calling to an assistant. Pitching improved dramatically. Lots of fastballs. Moving outside and inside and throwing the changeup and drop when ahead. Girls confidence went up. If you have girls that can hit spots consistently, that's great. If not, don't outsmart yourself.

Had a discussion with the HC one of my students plays for. His philosophy is with 3 ball on a hitter throw a FB down the middle and hope the defense would handle it. I told him I teach my girls to still work the corners no matter what the count. I would rather the team deal with a controlled runner on 1st giving them a chance to pick them off, get them on a steal or force them on a ground ball rather than a hitter running wild on the bases after sticking one in the gap or down the line.

DH pitched all through high school, college and men’s league....
Rules -
- know what your pitcher throws
- know what’s working that day
- work to the pitcher’s strength
- second time through order, learn from first time
- Second time playing a team, know your batters
- never call a CU to a batter that can’t get around on your FB

#8- At high school level, power hitters/cleanup hitters have a tendency to pull inside ball and can hit it far. They're less likely to be a good hitter that can go to opposite field on outside pitches. So pitch these girls primarily on the outside corner.

Don't get beat on an 0-2 pitch. The pitcher did a great job getting ahead in the count, make this pitch something that the girl can't kill you hitting. I favor down and away, but each pitcher has their own best junk pitch.

Also, no HBP in an 0-2 count. We want the ball off the plate, but not in the batter's leg, arm, back, whatever.

Win the 1-1 count. This applies to both pitchers and hitters. If you win the 1-1 count, you’ll probably win the AB


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