Pitch Sequencing
Also known as: pitch selection, game planning
Pitch sequencing is the art of ordering pitches to exploit a hitter's tendencies and set up future offerings — making each pitch more effective because of what came before.
Effective sequencing uses location, velocity, and movement in combination. A high fastball followed by a low changeup changes eye level and depth. A fastball in followed by a slider away expands the zone. Sequencing also accounts for count (pitchers attack in favorable counts, execute put-away pitches in two-strike counts), the hitter's known weaknesses, and what the hitter has been set up to expect based on the inning's previous pitches. Advanced sequencing is built on an accurate model of the hitter's swing decision process.
Example
After two high fastballs, he buried a curveball in the dirt — the hitter was geared up and chased it for a punchout.
Related terms
- Pitch TunnelingPitch tunneling is the strategy of throwing different pitch types that share the same flight path early before diverging late — making it nearly impossible for the hitter to distinguish them in time.
- Pitching DeceptionPitching deception refers to any element of a pitcher's mechanics, grip, or delivery that delays or confuses the hitter's ability to identify the pitch type, speed, or location.
- Changeup (Pitching)The changeup is an off-speed pitch thrown with fastball arm speed but held deeper in the hand to reduce velocity by 8–15 mph, disrupting timing.
- Strike ZoneThe strike zone is the three-dimensional region over home plate, between the batter's knees and the midpoint of the torso, where a pitch must pass to be called a strike.
- Pitch RecognitionPitch recognition is reading a pitch’s type and location early — out of the pitcher’s hand and from spin — so the hitter can decide to swing or take before it’s too late.
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