Timing a Pitcher From the Dugout
Also known as: time the pitcher from the dugout, time a pitcher from the dugout, timing the pitcher from the dugout, timing a pitcher from the bench, scouting the pitcher from the dugout, tipping pitches, pitcher tipping pitches, reading a pitcher's tells
Time a pitcher from the dugout by matching your load to his delivery. Watch when his hands break or his leg lifts, and start your load in rhythm as if you were batting. Also note his pitch types, his speed and anything he does differently on off-speed pitches, such as a slower arm or a visible grip.
You get many free looks at a pitcher before your at-bat. Use them. Stand at the dugout rail or in the on-deck circle and move with him. Load as he loads, and say "now" when you would start your swing.
Learn his pattern too. What does he throw first? What does he throw when he is ahead? Does he have a pitch he cannot throw for strikes? That helps you know what to look for.
Some pitchers tip their pitches. They may hold the glove differently, show the grip, or slow the arm on a changeup. Not every pitcher has a tell, so do not guess on one you have not seen several times.
Tips by skill level
On the bench, load with the pitcher on every pitch. Say "go" when you would start your swing.
Keep a simple note for each pitcher: first-pitch tendency, out pitch and any tell. Share it with teammates between innings.
Example
From the dugout, a hitter notices the pitcher's glove flares open on every curveball. He tells his teammates. In his next at-bat, he sits on the fastball when the glove stays closed.
Why it matters
Hitters who are timed up before they step in waste fewer pitches. Good scouting can also turn a guess into a plan.
Common mistakes
- Watching the game without moving in rhythm with the pitcher
- Trusting a tell you have only seen once
- Ignoring what the pitcher throws in different counts
Frequently asked questions
How do I time a pitcher from the dugout?
Load along with him as he delivers each pitch. Start when his hands break or his leg lifts, the same way you would at the plate.
How can you tell if a pitcher is tipping pitches?
Look for something that changes with the pitch type. Common tells are a different glove position, a visible grip or a slower arm on off-speed.
What should I watch for before my at-bat?
Watch his pitch types, his speed and what he throws in each count. Note his best pitch and whether he can throw it for strikes.
Related terms
- On-Deck and At-Bat RoutineAn on-deck and at-bat routine is a short, repeatable set of steps that gets a hitter ready to swing. On deck, many hitters time the pitcher, take a few loose swings and set a plan for the count. In the box, a breath, a look at the coach and a set stance reset focus before every pitch.
- Pitch RecognitionPitch recognition is identifying a pitch's type and location early — out of the pitcher's hand and from spin — so the hitter can commit to a swing or take decision before it's too late to act.
- Sitting on a Pitch (Hunting a Fastball)Sitting on a pitch means looking for one pitch type or location and swinging only if you get it. Many hitters sit on the fastball early in the count and take anything else. It works best when the count favors the hitter or the pitcher has a pattern. With two strikes, most hitters widen their plan.
- Scouting Report (Player)A scouting report is a written evaluation of a player. It grades their tools, describes current skill and physical projection, and gives a future outlook.
- Pitching DeceptionPitching deception is any part of a pitcher's mechanics, grip, or delivery that delays or confuses the hitter. It disguises pitch type, speed, or location.
Related guides & benchmarks
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