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update-tb coach tells team dont swing at 1st strike...

What's on your mind?

by eclipse09 » Fri Feb 09, 2018 2:40 pm

So what is a catcher's dream???
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by jonriv » Fri Feb 09, 2018 2:42 pm

eclipse09 wrote:So what is a catcher's dream???


Three quick ground outs by over aggressive hitters swinging at "pitchers" strikes because their Dads told them to :D
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by eclipse09 » Fri Feb 09, 2018 3:02 pm

jonriv wrote:
eclipse09 wrote:So what is a catcher's dream???


Three quick ground outs by over aggressive hitters swinging at "pitchers" strikes because their Dads told them to :D


:lol: :lol: :lol:
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by shortslappy » Fri Feb 09, 2018 4:05 pm

Hinky wrote:
shortslappy wrote:
Now look at her ... hitting lead-off, fouling off balls on a 3-2 count, and drawing a walk after taking the first strike.


Does she always take 1st strike?



This is something that she's working on, knowing when to take and which pitch to attack. Her coach leaves it up to her to decide what to do, no signs. She's encouraged to read the defense and since she's a slapper (with a block, chop, and power slap) who can also hit away and bunt, some pitches work better for her than others to get on base.

She says that where SS and LF are playing, will determine whether she will slap, hit away, or bunt. If she slaps, she will take a first strike if it's middle-inside (those usually force a grounder to 2nd). If she gets a middle-outside pitch, she's jumping on it because she can usually beat out a throw from left-infield or she's hitting that LF line. If she's hitting away, she'll take any high strikes (those usually force pop ups), but jumping on most lower-half strike.

Although she is able to hit any pitch in the zone, some strikes will force quick outs, so why jump on those pitches? If she is ahead in the count, she's going to wait for "her pitch" to maximize the probability of getting on base.

At least, that's what she's supposed to do . :lol:
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by Sue Trubovitz, Turbo » Sat Feb 10, 2018 8:05 am

Enjoyed a successful career stepping in the box ready
to hit the ball!
Wish everyone success!
Last edited by Sue Trubovitz, Turbo on Fri Jan 11, 2019 12:51 am, edited 3 times in total.
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by GIMNEPIWO » Sat Feb 10, 2018 10:02 am

jonriv wrote:
GIMNEPIWO wrote:
shortslappy wrote:Related question regarding lead-off hitters taking strikes:

My dd is fast and an aggressively successful base runner, so she moved her way to lead-off. She's bounced in and out of that role, but has been getting mixed messages about her at-bats. With her first at-bat of a game and nobody on base, she likes to swing at any pitch that will get her on base (usually within the first 3 pitches). She got pulled aside and was "strongly advised" to not jump on the first strike unless it's "her pitch" (belt-high, just a bit outside). I was later told by another lead-off hitter that part of her job was to see as many pitches, even if it means fouling off balls on a 3-2 count.

So what do you think adds more value to a lead-off hitter, get on base or allow your team more pitches to see (which sometimes mean taking the first strike)?


To take pitches so that your team gets to see more strikes (or balls) is quite possibly the stupidest thing I've ever heard ... A lead off batters job is to get on base.


This actually a strategy that the Yankees and Red Sox have used for 20 years(one reason that their games are so long) I agree that getting on base is the Primary job of the lead-off, but woking a pitch count can be a very effective tool(especially if it leads to a hit or walk)


The Yankees and Red Sox also have more innings, a longer series, longer season, scouts, video, stats, 10 pitchers with more pitches, 40 man roster ... The comparison is apples and peanuts.
A walk as a lead off batter IS getting on base. If they don't get their pitch a walk is as good as a hit... Letting your pitch go by so your team gets to see more pitches :roll:
"For the strength of the pack is the wolf, the strength of the wolf is the pack" Rudyard Kipling
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by Lace » Thu Feb 15, 2018 1:36 pm

Good hitters/coaches have a plan. They know what the pitcher is trying to do and they typically sit on a preferred location early in the count based on the game situation.
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by Hinky » Fri Jul 27, 2018 7:36 am

here's the update ,
originally almost half the parents were against strategy to not swing at 1st strike. As the season progressed and the hitters were struggling and the team was not doing well they approached 'again' the coaches in questioning and complaining Form. the coach who was applying this strategy told the parents if you don't like it you can leave. Finally towards the end of the season when now multiple parents now 'almost all' were disgruntled at this coach's decision to make all the girls get behind in the count. The parents told the coaching staff either you change that decision or get rid of that coach or this entire team will fall apart.


At their last tournament, apparently there was some coaching staff conversation going on and then,....
while the team is warming up to play a game the coach who was applying the 'dont swing at first strike strategy' tells his daughter grab your stuff, don't ask any questions, we're out of here and leaves the team right before they're supposed to play.

the newly-appointed third base coach believes in being ready to hit when you step in the box. from what I heard the team hit better that tournament.
I was told when they stepped in the Box they they were more aggressive and ready to do their job with their bats.
Also had less strikeouts.
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by eddiez577 » Fri Jul 27, 2018 12:26 pm

Look, it's pretty easy. Batter is there to bat. A walk is good, but batting and getting a hit is what the batter is supposed to do. It's all math. With a hit, there is potential for a single, double, triple, home run, error on the fielder, drop third strike, fielder's choice, ground rule double, out of play next base, interference on fielder, intentional walk, etc. Hunting for a walk only yields you a base, or maybe a continuous run, but you're limited.
I guess you're trying to prevent a pop-up or infield play when taking first pitch, or get the pitcher to throw more strikes, but you're betting on the other team to struggle. At this level, most teams don't struggle.
Game theory: MAKE the other team play, or rather, FORCE the other team to play :roll:
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by Travelballer48 » Sat Jan 05, 2019 10:00 pm

How many outs? Are there girls base? Girl on 3rd Looking for something away. So if the 1st pitch is in my girls better not be swinging first pitch.
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