Hitting the curve

I think the first step in hitting a curve is that a kid has to develop enough trust in his hand-speed that he's comfortable waiting, staying back, and not lunging. If he's confident that he can recognize and get around on a FB, even get around out front on an inside FB, then he'll be more patient once he recognizes the CB and let it get deeper in the zone before he commits to his swing. Then you just have to drive it where ever it's pitched.

The other important part is recognizing the count situation ... if it's to the hitter's advantage, you generally don't want to waste a swing on a CB, i.e., a pitch you can't do too much with unless it's hanging. Obviously, if the pitcher hangs it ... you bang it. Make the pitcher bring you a FB that you can drive. If the count is against you, 2-strikes, foul it off until the pitcher brings you a pitch you can drive ... not many 14-year-old pitchers are so confident in thier CBs that they'll throw 2-3 successive CB's for strikes.

quote:

Originally posted by Dave17:
My son is a right hander 14U and now seeing some pretty good pitchers who can throw a curve for a strike. My advice to him has been to take it to right field (seems to work). Rather then me guessing I thought I would ask you all.

What strategies would you recommend for a good pitcher with a good curve.

RHP……

LHP……

My son’s coach tells the players to watch the pitchers when the are in the dugout – but has never really told them what to look for – any suggestions

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I'm not sure I understand the question.

But I will offer the following...

When checking out the pitcher prior to an AB check to see whether the pitcher has a good rhythm in his pitching motion. Then count the number from the point he begins his windsup to when the ball reaches around the half-way point between the catcher and the pitcher....like 1,000:1, 1,000:2 The half-way point is that point is when you must decide whether the pitch is going to be a strike, or ball and start your swing accordingly.

Usually the ball will start its break at the half-way point and will give the batter time to keep his hands back.

Check to see how consistent that timing is.

You can get a sense of that rhythm by doing so and time the ball relatively well.

If after watching the pitcher you determine that he has good control over his CB then wait for the FB. On the other hand if the pitcher seems to throw the CB rather high in the "zone" wait for the CB. You should be able take him deep on it.

Stay back and let the ball get to you. Recognize that its a curveball. It depends were the ball is at where you want to hit it. For instance if the ball is breaking away from you wait back and take it backside. If its breaking over the heart take it back up the middle and if it is inside turn on it. Kind of hard to teach kids to take the curve backside if its breaking on the inner half. Trying to pull the curve breaking away from you is not good instruction and neither is trying to go backside on a ball breaking on the inner part of the plate. The most important thing is to know the count and if you have two strikes and have to swing at it let it get deep and see the ball. Go with the pitch is a cue that we use here. Breaking away go away. Alot of kids will show the curve ball ie off speed pitch in their delivery. They will fumble with the ball in the glove a little differently and they will slow down on their delivery sometimes. Also look for changes in the arm slot on delivery. Kids can pick this up by watching his bull pen before the game and watch the pitcher during the game. Release point, arm slot, glove action, speed of delivery and pitch sequence are all things that you can learn from. The worst thing you can do though is get caught up in worrying about the curve so much that you dont hit the pitch you have to hit "the fastball".

Thanks for the input.

Picking up the rotation of the ball from the release point will help hitting the curve.