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I have been frustrated lately by many pitchers that I have observed lately. The problem? Trying to throw too many pitches too early. Its seems that now pitchers are too concerned with quantity of pitches instead of quality. This problem ranges from the elementary up to HS aged kids. For some reason the belief has become that in order to be successful a pitcher must have to throw 5-6 different pitches. One pitcher I talked to said she had 9 different pitches. When I ask these pitchers how many they can throw consistently for a strike they pause, then usually respond with something like, "One, well maybe two, good days two, but sometimes 3. Never the same one on the same day that's why I have a lot of options." What happened to mastering a pitch before trying to move on to the next one? I believe that good HS pitchers only need 2 pitches to be successful. If they can throw those pitches for strikes on any part of the plate consistently, they will have success. I think the two most important things are mixing speed and hitting spots. They may not set the record for most strike outs, but they will control the hitter and force them to hit balls they want. They will rely on their defense more, but that is why they are there.
Sorry for the rant. Now for the poll. How many pitches does a solid HS pitcher need to be successful. That is, give their team a chance to win. I am not talking about getting a full ride to Arizona. Let me know what you think.
Sorry for the rant. Now for the poll. How many pitches does a solid HS pitcher need to be successful. That is, give their team a chance to win. I am not talking about getting a full ride to Arizona. Let me know what you think.