HITTING - Keys To Facing A Power Pitcher

A power pitcher is an opponent every hitter will face at all levels of baseball. Hitters, however, should not perceive it to be such a daunting task. In fact, that “power” a pitcher generates provides the same service to the hitter.

The challenge in hitting a pitcher who throws hard is simple to summarize. The hitter has less time to recognize the pitch and decide whether or not to swing the bat. That’s it. The ball is the same size, it’s still thrown from the same distance and the strike zone remains the same. So if there is less time to get the barrel out front to meet the ball, how does the hitter make up for that time?

First, the stride and loading of the hands must start slightly sooner. This places the batter in a position to start his swing earlier. The stride foot must be grounded in order to initiate the swing and if it’s late getting down, the swing will be late. Hitters often make the mistake of starting their stride and load at the same time regardless of who they’re facing. This makes them late against flame-throwers and early (difficulty staying back) when facing cunny-thumbers. The timing of the stride and load should be personal to each pitcher you face. That timing is to be established in the on-deck circle.

The second step is to accelerate your decision-making. You must be decisive and get the barrel going right away if you determine it’s a pitch to hit. You don’t have the luxury of time to survey each pitch to make sure it’s a strike. This entails some risk that there will be times you’ll swing at a bad pitch. Don’t be afraid to be wrong. It’s an aggressive approach that is necessary to conquer velocity. If a coach hollers at you for swinging at a bad pitch from a flame-thrower, don’t let it bother you. He suffers from short-term memory. Being overcautious at the plate will make you defensive or defenseless against a good fastball.

The true value of velocity for a pitcher is that it makes secondary pitches so much more effective. Because a good hitter must decide sooner, it gives him less time to recognize the type of pitch that is thrown. Change-ups, breaking balls and sliders are much tougher to hit if there is less time to track them. Again, you can’t let this deter you from taking some risk in making a decision. Concern yourself with being fooled and you’ll never catch up to the fastball.

A common mistake hitters make when facing hard throwers is that they attempt to match the velocity with effort. In other words, they try to swing harder. Additional effort swinging the bat almost always results in reduced bat speed (caused by tension) and pulling off the ball. The hitter should think about being short and quick to the ball. Slow down your pre-swing movements so you are quick and deliberate with the swing. Firing the barrel out to meet a ball thrown at a high rate of speed will supply plenty of power.

Your general approach against a power pitcher is predicated on his command. If he has good command, try getting to him early. Don’t wait around because there is a greater chance of dealing with secondary pitches or fastballs out of the strike zone. Also, swinging the bat early in the count provides immediate feedback. A foul ball or swinging through a pitch can tell you if you’re early, late, under, etc.

A pitcher who possesses a great fastball but lacks command should be greeted with patience. Take an approach that is long-term and team-oriented. Trust yourself and force him to run deep counts. Even if he eventually gets you out, he’ll likely be gone from the game by the fourth or fifth inning.

It is also important to force power pitchers to throw the ball down in the strike zone. Think to yourself, “The ball must be below my hands to attack.” High fastballs are much more difficult to square up. The hands must rise up to level off on the pitch, which takes time. This is why power pitchers will throw high fastballs for a strikeout pitch. If you recognize this pattern from the pitcher, raise your hands (slightly) in your stance with two strikes.

The last and possibly most important point: Don’t psyche yourself out when facing a hard thrower. So many hitters are overmatched before they even set foot in the batter’s box. Statistics, reputation and radar guns don’t mean a darn thing when you step up to the plate. Throw it all out the window. What’s important is executing your plan and taking the action to him. Never forget that when you’re at the plate, it’s you who is on offense. You’re not up there to survive or defend the strike zone. You’re up there to do damage.