In recent posts, I went into detail about Red/White pitches and how to Expand the plate. These both come into play in a huge way in regards to getting hitters out. That is what pitching is all about, right? Sure velocity is sexy. However, when you don’t know how to pitch, it serves very little purpose. In congruence with the 2 aforementioned posts, let’s continue the progression which makes hitters look stupid all while pissing them off at the same time. Want to make a hitter’s head explode? Follow carefully the 4 Pitch Domination Sequence and see how simple it can be.
Before we dive into this post, keep in mind that staying out of the middle of the plate is essential for success as a pitcher. Commanding your pitches with full conviction is key for executing this Domination Sequence.
This sequence will display similarities of movements to each side of the plate offset by changes in velocity. The utter stinginess that comes from executing this properly may cause hitters to ponder early retirement. Another one bites the dust…
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
Pitch #1 Cutter Away
For the sake of commonality, this entire sequence will be Righty vs Righty. Beginning with a Cutter Away, the late breaking velocity pitch will establish the outside corner. Weak contact early in the count is always accepted. If the hitter is patient or overpowered, let’s keep going. If you don’t have a cutter, a 4 seam fastball will do just fine.
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
Pitch #2 Sinker Down & In
The mirror image alone of the previous pitch is hard enough to square up. So far we have 2 velocity pitches breaking off the corners. Slowly, the hitter is realizing that he is not getting anything that he can LAUNCH…Boo Hoo!
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
Pitch #3 Slider Down & Away
Now that you have shown you can throw to both corners, the hitter has to pick which side of the plate he can protect. After already seeing the cutter away, you go back outside with an even sharper break and a reduction in velocity.
As the cutter had more of a subtle break, you can use the Slider 2 different ways here:
- Start the Slider in the same location as the cutter, and have it break off the plate more.
- Because the Slider has more of a break to it, begin the Slider more over the outer half of the plate. A good chase pitch looks like a strike coming out of the hand. Thus, teasing the hitter into thinking he is getting something to hit….until the magic takes over.
If the first 2 pitches were for strikes, you can use the Slider here as a put away pitch. If he lays off the Slider for a ball, you now have even more to work with in the 4th pitch of the Dominant sequence.
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
Pitch #4 Changeup Down & In
Coming back inside with another Red Pitch will make the hitter think Sinker as he is yet to see the Change Up. Plus, seeing the Red speeds up his decision making. With up to a 10 MPH differential, he has another thing coming. When you have this deadly combo, rock it with full conviction. That is what truly intimidates hitters.
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
HE IS STILL HERE?!?!?
If the hitter is still somehow alive in this at bat, now is the time to elevate your fastball. Since he has been looking IN & OUT so far, now force him to change his eye level.
As hitters can only protect one side of the plate, IN or OUT, it also pertains to UP or DOWN. That 70% failure rate among the best is becoming even clearer. Wouldn’t you say?
If the at bat is still going on after the elevated fastball, you can now go back any of the first 4 pitches with ease. All of them are set up perfectly.
As you just carved out the hitter with precision, he will go back to the dugout fuming in body language which says to his own teammates, GOOD LUCK!!!
As for this sequence, you can use these 4 pitches in any order you may choose. They all complement each other well. As long as you stay out of the middle of the plate, any variation of the sequence works well.
4 Pitch Domination Sequence
Who Rocks it the BEST?
Let’s look at the velocities over the careers of these 4 pitches from some of the Best of the Best…10 Combined Cy Youngs (and counting)…Something to think about..
C/O Fangraphs
Cutter 89.6
Slider 84.1
Sinker 93.6
Change Up 85.7
Cutter 84.4
Slider 77.1
Sinker 85.3
Change Up 79.8
Cutter 89.0
Slider 85.7
Sinker 93.1
Change Up 84.9
Cutter 93.6
Slider 83.1
Sinker 94.8
Change Up 87.1
Stay tuned for the video which will follow bringing a visual guide to this 4 Pitch Domination Sequence. Be sure to subscribe to the Slider Domination YouTube Channel and click the notification bell to receive all of our newest content. You DON’T want to MISS any of IT!
And as always….
Keep Dominating!!!!
About the Author
Brad Kirsch is the Owner/Creator of Slider Domination. He is a former professional pitcher who blogs about all things Pitching. Brad has also authored the AudioBook, 7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider. If you haven’t done so already, you can Download the AudioBook Here
