08/23/2026
Being able to land first pitch breaking balls for strike is huge at any level of baseball.
If hitters are ambushing your fastball first pitch it’s not a bad idea to start pitching backwards. Being able to throw quality offspeed pitches for strikes in any count gives you the ability to get ahead without relying on the fastball. It also keeps the hitter from eliminating half of your arsenal before the at bat even starts.
Most pitchers would benefit from throwing off-speed more in catch play to become more comfortable with the grip and feeling they’re trying to create with it.
