Attack Plans

As a precursor - the more advanced hitters become, the more individualized and specific game plans have to become. However, for younger, less advanced hitters, grouping similar hitters can help to simplify the game for pitchers and allow them to do less thinking.

First and foremost, pitch to YOUR strengths. Secondary to that, attack hitters based on their strengths and weaknesses, and the type of hitter they are. To do this, you have to understand what type of hitter they are and have an idea of their approach (or lack thereof). Hitters can typically be grouped into 3 subsets to simplify and generalize plans.

Pitchers tend to get into trouble early and late in counts, as these are higher leverage counts - getting ahead early and/or putting hitters away are two areas that pitchers commonly struggle with. Have a strong plan in both of these situations. Getting ahead early sets the foundation for an at-bat, and being able to put them away can keep you in control of the game overall.

Pattern 1 Hitter: Contact Hitter with Plate Discipline

Pesky hitters that will see pitches and have longer at-bats - these are the guys that can run your pitch count up if you allow them to

• Will not chase out of zone pitches and have a good feel for the zone

• Will not hurt you with power, single to hustle doubles type of hitter

• Typical spots in lineup - 1,2,7,8,9

With this type of hitter, attacking the strike zone is extremely important throughout the at-bat. If you get behind or become predictable, they will battle long at bats or work walks. These are the type of hitters that won't typically cause damage with their bats, but are good at moving the ball, working counts, and creating chaos for pitchers and defenses. Get ahead early and throw everything in the strike zone. These are hitters who will bunt if they have speed - don't let them get into up counts by throwing balls on bunt attempts. Early counts (0-0, 0-1, 1-0) - get strike one quick and early with fastballs. The quicker you can get two strikes, the less taxing and threatening this hitter will be. Put-Away Counts

(1-2, 2-2, 3-2) - Mix, but stay in-zone

Pattern 2 Hitter: Best Hitter in a Lineup

• The hitter(s) in a lineup who can hurt you in various ways

• Gap to gap hitters who can also hurt you with power

• Will work at-bats and have a solid approach every pitch - in game/mid at-bat adjustments

• These hitters know what pitch they want to hit - especially early in counts

• Typical spots in lineup - 1,2,3,4

With these hitters, being able to get ahead early with various pitches and then keeping a steady mix is vital. This hitter will usually take offspeed pitches early (unless that is what they want to hit). Pitches backwards can be effective. Don't show everything too early in a game, unless a big moment warrants it. Keep them off balance and uncomfortable. In high school especially - don't be afraid to get in on these guys and take command of the plate. Early Counts (0-0, 0-1, 1-0) - Keep off balance, pitch backwards and get to strike one. Put-Away Counts (1-2, 2-2, 3-2) - have to be able to throw all pitches in quality locations in the zone and in shadow zones. Predictability will get you hurt.

Pattern 3 Hitter: Free Swinger

• Homerun/ big hit or bust type of hitter

• Will hurt you with power

• Will chase out of zone pitches

• Guess hitters - typically good at hitting 1 pitch (usually FB), and oftentimes 1 spot

• Typical spots in lineup - 4,5,6,7

Attacking the strike zone early is important with this type of hitter. These are guys who are typically 50/50 with first pitch swings, but get really aggressive after strike one. After strike one - shadow and chase pitches can be very effective. Have to avoid getting behind early and allowing them to sit on one pitch. Early counts (0-0, 0-1, 1-0) - Depending on hitter these guys will often be FPS or FPT guys. FPS guy - attack early with offspeed; FPT guy - go right after with a fastball. Get ahead early and maintain control of the at-bat. Put-Away Counts (1-2, 2-2, 3-2) - can get to swing/chase on breaking balls in shadow or chase zones.

Sean Stacy