If there is one area where Managers can really earn their keep, it’s in giving the players effective approaches to have success in moments where things are really tough. I talk today with a very respected Coach on strategies against a pitcher who is rolling against his team on a given day.
What he says is gold for coaches and players.
Hitters can sometimes run into days when the ball isn’t bouncing their way. And on rarer but often enough occasions they can run into a pitcher who is pitching so great that he seems totally unhittable that day.
A pitcher who is putting the ball where he wants, striking guys out and making the best hitters on the team look worse than usual, is one who requires adjustment of strategy by the offense.
The key is changing as many elements of the circumstances of the game as you can and changing them quickly. Anything to mess up the present comfort for the pitcher. And likewise inject a feeling of hope and general confidence in your player.
The idea: get your team thinking of solutions when they hit and run the bases. Rather than thinking of how defeated they are feeling.
That negativity causes the hole to get deeper.
Email Exchange:
Me:
Coach, He was making us eat our lunch. I haven’t seen my hitters look this bad in forever.
I tried to have us gather ourselves for better at bats. Focus better. But it was like talking into empty air.
What do you have for me?
Answer:
Nate,
It’s not easy. Great pitching beats great hitting every time. It’s baseball really.
But whatever you can do to change the comfort of the pitcher and get your team feeling like it is progressing and getting to the pitcher, you do.
Three of my favorites I’ve seen over the years.
1. Have your players slow down in the box. Take longer to get their signs. Step out and get time when they can. In most cases a pitcher who is on fire, is also one who is moving at a brisk and uninterrupted pace.
2. Keep your goals modest. If your team is behind. By a little or lot doesn’t matter because a great pitcher makes any lead seem like a lot. I tell my guys to give me good swings. Tell them the number they’ve had so far and ask them to double them. I might also tell them to get closer to the plate then normal to change the pitcher’s normal sights with him up at the plate.
3. Hitters who are good at bunting should give it a try. A bunt hit can upset a pitcher. Also if you have shorter guy who is good at getting walks, Send him to the plate and have him auto take 1 strike, Maybe 2.
Hitters simply need to understand that they can change the game with 1 successful at bat. Everything good that happens can multiply quickly. Baseball has no clock and the longer you can linger around, the more chances there are for the game to flip.
Remember to send your hitter's practice or game video to CoachNate@destroythebaseball.com for a free analysis and action plan report.
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We'll talk soon!
Coach Nate
“Always Hit Full Go. Head to Toe. Heart and Soul.”
About Coach Nate Volk--
Author. Founder 1200 cage hours, 250 baseball games coached. And counting. “Bring young people alive when they hit a baseball. They will unleash a rock solid and relentless confidence on the field, and in life.”)
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