Hitting · Quick guide
Hitting approaches: a plan for every count
Pick your pitch. Know the situation. Be ready.
A good approach starts with one question: Which pitch can I hit well right now?
Before you step in
- Know the pitcher. What do they throw? What can they throw for a strike?
- Pick your target. Choose a pitch and location you handle well.
- Check the game. Know the count, outs, runners, score, and coach’s sign.
No count guarantees a fastball. Watch the actual pitch.
Your plan for every count
Balls–strikes. Use these starting points with your coach’s plan.
No strikes · Be selective
0–0
Be ready from pitch one. Swing if it is a pitch you can hit hard.
1–0
Look for your pitch in your favorite part of the zone.
2–0
Stay picky. A pitch you can touch is not always one you can drive.
3–0
Check the coach’s sign. With the green light, swing only at your best pitch.
One strike · Stay ready
0–1
Stay calm. One strike does not mean you must swing at the next pitch.
1–1
Pick a clear target and be ready to attack a good strike.
2–1
Look for a pitch you can drive. Keep your normal swing.
3–1
Be ready to hit a good strike and willing to take ball four.
Two strikes · Compete
0–2
Cover the strike zone, including the edges. Let clear balls go.
1–2
Keep your swing under control. Watch for pitches breaking out of the zone.
2–2
Stay with your two-strike plan. Be ready for speed or an off-speed pitch.
3–2
Protect against strikes, but take ball four. Do not decide to swing before seeing it.
Runners on base
The score and inning matter. Follow the team’s plan.
Runner on first · Fewer than two outs
Look for solid contact. Forcing a ground ball can create a double play.
Runner on second · No outs
A ball to the right side can move the runner. Let the pitch help you do it; do not force weak contact.
Runner on second · One out
Look for a pitch you can drive for a hit. Moving the runner with an out leaves the next hitter two outs.
Runner on third · Fewer than two outs
Check the defense. A deep fly or a ball through an opening can score the run. Do not chase a high ball trying to lift it.
Bases loaded
Stay patient. A walk scores a run. RBI pressure is no reason to chase.
Any runners · Two outs
Keep the inning alive. An ordinary fly out cannot score the runner. Look to reach base.
Two strikes: keep it simple
- Get ready early. Use a smaller move or a slight choke-up if it helps you control the bat. Practice it first.
- Cover more strikes. Be ready for the edges. The strike zone does not get bigger.
- Keep good contact as the goal. Compete on close strikes. Let clear balls go.
- Reset. Breathe, pick one cue, and prepare for the next pitch.
Two MLB examples
Corey Seager: attack hittable strikes and reject chase pitches.
Juan Soto: widens his stance, shortens his stride, and chokes up with two strikes.
Player examples from MLB reporting. Find the adjustment that works for you.
Practice it
Call a count and a runner situation before each practice pitch. Say your target. Mix pitches so taking is an option. Judge the decision and contact, not only whether it was a hit.
One pitch. One clear plan. Commit.