Working Ahead in the Count
Also known as: pitching ahead, staying ahead
Working ahead means regularly reaching pitcher-friendly counts (0-1, 0-2, 1-2). She can then expand the zone and use her put-away pitch with far less risk.
Every count carries a different strategic balance of power. Behind in the count, a pitcher must throw pitches the hitter is likely to see as strikes, narrowing her options. Ahead in the count, she can throw pitches out of the zone that still draw a swing. She can also attack the edges of the zone with movement pitches that would be balls if slightly off target. Working ahead is less about any single pitch and more about a pitcher's overall approach and command across an entire outing. Pitchers who chase strikeouts at the expense of first-pitch strikes often end up working from behind more than necessary.
Study your own outcomes split by count-favoring-pitcher versus count-favoring-hitter. Most pitchers see a large gap in opponent batting average between the two splits. This quantifies exactly how much working ahead is worth.
Example
By reliably getting ahead 0-1, the pitcher spends most of the game expanding the zone with her drop ball rather than being forced to throw it for a strike.
Why it matters
Working ahead compounds across an entire game. A pitcher who is regularly ahead in the count faces less pressure on every later pitch of every at-bat.
Common mistakes
- Nibbling at the corners on 0-0 and 1-0 counts out of fear of contact, which often leads to falling behind instead
- Failing to adjust approach when ahead, throwing the same quality strike instead of expanding the zone
Frequently asked questions
Does working ahead mean throwing more strikes overall?
Not necessarily. It means getting ahead early enough in the count that later pitches can be thrown at the edges or out of the zone while still drawing a defensive swing.
Related terms
- First-Pitch Strike RateFirst-pitch strike rate is the percentage of at-bats that start with a strike. It is among the strongest signs of pitching effectiveness and count control.
- Count AdvantageCount advantage describes which side the current ball-strike tally favours, and how each should adjust because of it.
- Strikeout PitchA strikeout pitch is a pitcher's go-to pitch for finishing two-strike at-bats. It is their most reliable swing-and-miss weapon, given the batter's tendencies.
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