Pitch Calling Guide | Charlie Holladay

Guide Contents

1. Core Philosophy

2. Reading Batters

3. Pitch Sequencing

4. Count-Based Strategy

5. Situational Calling

6. Pitch Tunneling

7. Speed & Location

8. Pitch Combinations

9. Mental Game

10. Game Planning

11. Common Mistakes

12. College Expectations

13. Development Path

14. 10 Rules Quick Ref

1. Core Philosophy

The #1 Rule

Pitch calling is ALWAYS based on the pitcher's strengths. Every person involved — pitcher, catcher, and coach — must know what the pitcher does best. This is the single most important principle.

"The main goal of calling pitches is to put your pitcher in a position of dominance over the hitter." — Cindy Bristow, Coaches Insider

The Three S's of Pitching

College coaches reference three pillars that every pitch is built on:

Speed — Velocity and the speed difference between pitches
Spin — Movement on the ball (drop, rise, curve, screw)
Spot — Location within or around the strike zone

You need all three working together. As a pitch caller, you directly control Spot and strategically deploy how Speed and Spin are used.

The Three Pitch Types in Every At-Bat

Every at-bat involves calling from three categories:

Opener / Go-To Pitch — The reliable strike thrown with no strikes (0-0, 1-0, 2-0 counts)
Setup Pitch — A strategic selection designed to create the conditions for the next pitch
Kill / Strikeout Pitch — The two-strike weapon targeting weak contact or swings-and-misses

Remember

Pitch calling is an art form, not a formula. Data and tendencies inform decisions, but real-time observation, feel, and instinct separate elite callers from mechanical ones. The best callers blend preparation with adaptability.

2. Reading Batters

What to Observe Before the Pitch

Stance Position

What You See	What It Might Mean	How to Attack
Crowding the plate	Comfortable inside OR trying to cover outside	Test inside first. If they handle it, work outside. Don't assume — observe.
Standing far from plate	Nervous, trying to extend arms	Attack outside corner. They'll struggle to reach.
Open stance	Looking to pull the ball	Vulnerable to outside pitches that they can't pull.
Closed stance	Protecting outside, may struggle inside	Test inside pitches to jam them.

Bat Position and Load

What You See	Vulnerability
High hands	May struggle with low pitches
Low hands	May have trouble catching up to high velocity
Long swing / big load	Vulnerable to inside pitches and speed changes
Short, compact swing	Harder to exploit — focus on location and movement

Timing Indicators

What Happens	What It Tells You	What to Do
Early swing / out front	They're ahead of the pitch	Speed up (fastball inside) OR slow down (changeup)
Late swing / behind	The fastball overpowers them	Keep using the fastball — it's working
Fouling pitches straight back	They're ON the timing but just missing	CHANGE something — speed, location, or pitch type. Now.
Fouling pitches down the line	Slightly early (pull side) or late (opposite field)	Note which side and adjust accordingly

Position in the Batter's Box

Up in the box (toward pitcher) — Anticipating breaking pitches. They want to hit curves/drops before they break fully.
Deep in the box (toward catcher) — Wants more time to read the ball. May struggle with well-located fastballs.
Moving around between pitches — They're uncomfortable. Whatever you're doing is working — keep doing it.

What to Observe During the At-Bat

Elite Skill: Reaction-Based Calling

The decision for the next pitch should ALWAYS be based on how the batter responded to the one you just threw. This is the single most important in-game reading skill. The batter tells you what to throw next — you just have to listen.

Batter's Reaction	Your Response
Swings and misses at low outside pitch	Go there again, or even further off the plate
Takes a called strike and looks upset	That location is your sweet spot — use it again
Fouls a pitch straight back	They were on it. Change speeds or locations immediately
Crushes a foul down the line	They're close to timing it — DON'T throw that pitch/location again
Checks swing or looks fooled	The previous setup worked — use that same sequence again

Scouting Across Multiple At-Bats

Track these through the entire game:

What pitch did they swing at first pitch?
What count did they get their hits on?
Did they swing at pitches out of the zone?
Are they a first-pitch swinger or do they take?
Do they adjust after seeing the same pitch twice?

3. Pitch Sequencing Philosophy

The Setup Mindset

Elite pitch calling is about setting up the NEXT pitch, not just throwing the current one. Every pitch serves a purpose — some get strikes, some create doubt, some change the batter's eye level, and some set up the pitch that gets the out.

Core Sequencing Principles

1. Establish, Then Exploit

Show the batter something, then take it away. If you establish the fastball inside, the outside changeup becomes devastating. If you show them speed up, the changeup destroys.

2. Change at Least One Variable

Between consecutive pitches, change at least one of these three:

Speed — fast to slow, or slow to fast
Location — inside to outside, up to down
Movement — straight to breaking, or vice versa

Changing two or three variables at once makes pitches exponentially harder to hit.

3. Don't Follow Patterns

"If you give the hitters a steady diet of the same pitch, or location, or speed, sooner or later they're going to figure it out and start sitting on it." — Ken Krause

Smart hitters and coaches identify patterns. If you always throw a changeup after two fastballs, they'll sit on it the third time through the order.

4. Repeat What Works (Until It Doesn't)

If a batter can't hit the low outside drop, throw it again. And again. Only change when they prove they've adjusted. This isn't a pattern — it's exploiting a weakness.

5. Walk Up the Ladder

Start pitches low in the zone, then progressively move higher. This "walks the batter's eyes up," making high pitches more effective because they've been tracking low.

6. Work the Diagonal

Start low-and-away, then go high-and-inside (or vice versa). This forces the batter to cover the maximum distance with their bat and eyes between pitches.

First-Pitch Strategy

The Most Important Stat in Pitch Calling

A pitcher who throws a first-pitch strike has a 66.8% chance of getting the batter out. A first-pitch ball increases the chance of a walk to 74.3%. First-pitch strikes change everything.

But "first-pitch strike" doesn't mean "groove one down the middle." Effective first pitches:

Low and outside fastball — Most hitters don't like this pitch and will take it for a called strike
First-pitch changeup against aggressive hitters — Disrupts their fastball timing for the entire at-bat
First-pitch drop ball to the zone — Gets ahead while changing eye level early

4. Count-Based Strategy

Pitcher's Counts (You're Ahead)

Count	Strategy	Location
0-0	Throw a reliable strike. Get ahead.	In the zone but not center. Low-outside preferred.
0-1	Setup pitch. Can expand the zone slightly.	Work the opposite side from 0-0. Inside to induce weak foul.
0-2	DO NOT throw a strike. Make them chase.	6+ inches off the plate. High, low, or outside. Must look like a strike.
1-2	Similar to 0-2 but can be slightly closer to zone.	Edges or just off. Changeup in dirt. Rise up.

Even Counts

Count	Strategy	Location
1-1	Still can be aggressive.	Quality strike, but avoid center.
2-2	Pitcher still has advantage.	Edges of zone. Pitcher's best pitch.

Hitter's Counts (You're Behind)

Count	Strategy	Location
1-0	Need a strike. Use your best.	In the zone.
2-0	Must throw a strike.	Fastball for a strike in a good location.
2-1	Slight hitter advantage.	Quality location, don't nibble.
3-0	Almost certainly fastball.	Down the middle if you must, outside preferred.
3-1	Hitter sitting on fastball.	Strike, but consider off-speed if pitcher can command it.
3-2	Full count. Anything goes.	Pitcher's best pitch for a strike.

The 0-2 / 1-2 Approach (Critical Knowledge)

Where Young Catchers Fail Most

With two strikes, it's tempting to try to put her away immediately. Unless the hitter is completely over-matched, that's a bad strategy. Throw "a ball that looks like a strike" — a pitch that appears hittable but is ultimately unhittable through location, movement, or speed deception.

Effective 0-2 / 1-2 pitches:

Changeup in the dirt (looks like a low strike, drops out)
Fastball up and out of zone (looks hittable, can't reach it)
Drop ball starting at the knees (breaks below the zone)
Rise ball at the letters (appears in zone, jumps above bat)
Curve off the outside corner (starts like a strike, breaks away)

Progressive Zone Expansion

Framework

0-0 pitch = Zone "2" — In the strike zone, quality location
0-1 pitch = Zone "1" — On the edge, nibbling corners
0-2 pitch = Zone "0" — Off the plate, make them chase

As you get deeper in the count ahead, you progressively move further from the center of the zone.

5. Situational Calling

Runner Situations

Situation	Priority	Strategy
No runners	Learn & experiment	Use the full arsenal. Take risks. Pitch backwards. This is where you discover what the batter can't hit.
Runner on 1st, <2 outs	Ground balls	Low in the zone. Drop balls and low fastballs. Double play opportunity. Avoid high pitches that produce fly balls.
Runner on 2nd	Strikeouts / popups	Runner can see your signs — use multiple signs. Avoid grounders to right side (scores runner). Keep the ball down to prevent XBH.
Runner on 3rd, <2 outs	Strikeouts	Avoid wild pitches (no dirt pitches unless elite control). Strikeouts and popups preferred. Avoid pitches that produce grounders. Don't walk anyone.
Bases loaded	Throw strikes	Force outs everywhere. Get ahead, then use your best out pitch. Don't nibble — walks score runs.

Against Slappers (Left-Handed Slappers/Bunters)

Softball-Specific & Critical at 14U+

Direct runner (running straight to first): Throw inside to jam them
Angle runner (running toward first base line): Throw outside to reach
Changeup is devastating against slappers — neutralizes their speed advantage
High pitches encourage popups from slappers
Rise balls up in the zone are highly effective

Lineup Position Strategy

Spot	Hitter Type	Approach
#1-2	Speed, bat-to-ball skills, possible slappers	Be aggressive, don't walk them. They start rallies.
#3-4-5	Power hitters, most dangerous	Keep ball low. Use changeups strategically. Willing to pitch around them with first base open.
#6-9	Weaker hitters	Don't overthink. Fastball strikes. Don't let them extend innings.

Times Through the Order

Pass	Approach
1st time through	Establish what works against each batter. Gather information.
2nd time through	Adjust based on what you learned. Change first pitch and patterns.
3rd time through	Most critical. Hitters have seen 6-10 pitches. You MUST change approach. Pitch backwards. Different counts, different paces.

6. Pitch Tunneling & Eye-Level Manipulation

What is Pitch Tunneling?

Making different pitches appear identical to the batter for as long as possible during their flight, then having them diverge at the last moment. All pitches share the same release point, same initial trajectory, and same arm speed for the first 15-20 feet. Then they break differently.

"The goal of pitch tunneling is to make everything look the same out of hand." — Jason Immekus, Premier Pitching

The batter must make their swing/no-swing decision before the pitches diverge. If all pitches look identical until that decision point, the batter is effectively guessing.

Three Mechanical Keys

Consistent Release Point — Every pitch must leave the hand from the same point. This is the #1 factor.
Identical Arm Speed — The arm must move at the same speed for every pitch, especially the changeup. Slowing the arm telegraphs the pitch.
Same Delivery Mechanics — No "tells." The windup, stride, and body position must look identical for every pitch.

Tunnel Pairings for Pitch Calling

Sequence pitches that look identical at release but end up in different places:

Setup Pitch	Follow-Up	Why It Works
High fastball (in zone)	Drop ball (at knees)	Same trajectory at release; one stays up, one falls
Inside fastball	Changeup outside	Same arm speed; changeup drifts away and slows
Low outside fastball	Curve breaking away	Similar initial path; curve moves further out
Rise ball up	Drop ball down	Both look like mid-zone fastball at release
Fastball at letters	Change at knees	Same initial look; drastic speed AND location change

Eye-Level Manipulation

Underused Elite Concept

Never let the batter's eyes settle at one level.

Show pitches down in the zone (drops, low fastballs)
Their eyes adjust to tracking low
Then throw up in the zone (rise ball, high fastball)
The eyes must readjust, creating a delayed reaction

Works in reverse too: establish high, then go low. The key is constant movement of eye level.

7. Speed Differential & Location Strategy

Ideal Speed Differentials

The changeup is the most important speed-change pitch. Aim for 15-20% slower than the fastball:

Fastball Speed	Ideal Changeup	Differential
45 mph	35-37 mph	8-10 mph
50 mph	40-42 mph	8-10 mph
55 mph	45-47 mph	8-10 mph
60 mph	50-52 mph	8-10 mph
65 mph	53-57 mph	8-12 mph

Watch Out

Too MUCH differential (20+ mph) can actually backfire — the hitter has time to recognize it and adjust mid-swing. The sweet spot is 8-12 mph where the hitter commits to fastball timing but can't recover.

Why Speed Changes Work

Hitters calibrate timing to the fastball. When you throw 3 fastballs at 55 mph and then a 45 mph changeup: the batter's internal clock says "swing NOW" but the ball hasn't arrived yet. Result: swing and miss, or weak contact out front.

The Nine-Segment Strike Zone

Think of the zone as a 3×3 grid. This is your targeting system:

7 High / In

8 High / Mid

9 High / Out

4 Mid / In

5 CENTER

6 Mid / Out

1 Low / In

2 Low / Mid

3 Low / Out

Never Target

Zone 5 (center) is NEVER the target. That's the "happy zone" where hitters do damage.

Best Locations by Situation

Situation	Target Zones	Why
Ahead in count	1, 3, 7, 9 (corners) or off plate	Make them chase or expand
Behind in count	2, 4, 6, 8 (edges, still strikes)	Need strikes but avoid center
Even count	1, 3, 6 (low corners, mid-out)	Quality locations, competitive pitches
First pitch	Zone 3 (low and outside)	Statistically the most effective first pitch

8. Pitch Combinations That Work

The "Power Sequence" (Fastball-Based)

Fastball Inside

Establish the inside — get a strike or push them off the plate

Fastball Outside

Move their eyes to the other side — strike or foul

Changeup Low

After two fastballs, their timing is set to fast. The speed change destroys them.

Why it works: Fastball timing is established, then the changeup pulls the rug out.

The "Backwards" Approach

Changeup First Pitch

Unexpected — disrupts timing immediately. Most hitters sit fastball on 0-0.

Fastball Inside

Now feels even FASTER after seeing the change. Jams them.

Drop Ball Low

Different speed AND movement. They have no idea what's coming.

Why it works: Flips the conventional script against aggressive hitters who jump on first-pitch fastballs.

The "Tunnel and Diverge"

High Fastball for a Strike

Establish the trajectory — eyes calibrate to this flight path

Drop Ball (Same Starting Height)

Looks identical at release but breaks down. Batter swings where they THINK the ball will be.

Why it works: Both pitches share the same tunnel. The batter can't tell them apart until it's too late.

The "Freeze" Sequence

Drop Ball Outside

Batter sees movement away, may take it

Drop Ball Outside (again)

Reinforces the outside pattern — batter starts leaning that way

Fastball Inside for a Called Strike

Batter is leaning outside and freezes. Called strike three.

Why it works: You train the batter to expect outside, then attack the inside corner while they're committed.

The "Chase" Setup

Fastball Low in Zone — Strike

Low pitch called a strike. Batter registers: low = strike.

Fastball at Knees — Strike

Another low strike. Pattern reinforced.

Drop Ball Below the Zone

Same area but it's a ball. Batter chases because the last two there were strikes.

Why it works: You "trained" the batter that low pitches are strikes. The third one is a ball, but they can't tell.

The "Slapper Killer"

Rise Ball Up in Zone

Slappers want to hit the ball down. Up-in-zone pitches produce popups.

Changeup Inside

Destroys their running start — they're out front and jammed.

Rise Ball Up Again

After the slow changeup, this feels even faster. More popups.

Why it works: Slappers thrive on low pitches they can put on the ground. You never give them one.

Sample At-Bat: vs. a Good Hitter

Dangerous #3 Hitter — Right-Handed, Quick Bat

0-0

Low outside fastball — Called strike. Free out-ahead pitch. She didn't swing.

0-1

Inside fastball — Foul down the first base line. She got confident and turned on it, but didn't get it fair. She can handle inside.

0-2

Changeup low and outside, 6" off the plate — Looks just like the 0-0 pitch but slower and further out. She's geared for fastball...

Swing and miss. Strikeout. The 0-0 fastball set up the 0-2 changeup perfectly — same initial look, different result.

Weak #8 Hitter — Don't Overthink It

0-0

Fastball for a strike — Simple. Get ahead.

0-1

Fastball for a strike — She can't catch up. Why get fancy?

0-2

Drop ball out of zone — Quick, efficient out. Save the complex stuff for dangerous hitters.

9. Mental Game & Communication

Pitcher-Catcher Relationship

Know what your pitcher is feeling, not just what she can throw
If the pitcher shakes off a sign, RESPECT IT — she doesn't feel confident in that pitch right now
A confident pitcher executing a B-minus pitch is better than an uncertain pitcher throwing an A-plus pitch
Build trust in practice. The game is too late to establish the relationship.

Between-Innings Communication

Quick check-in: "How does your drop feel today?"
Share observations: "She's cheating inside, let's stay away"
Positive reinforcement: "Your change is nasty today, let's go back to it"

Mound Visits

Slow the game down when the pitcher is rushing
Remind her of the plan if she's getting away from it
NEVER criticize on the mound — problem-solve only

The Catcher's Pre-Pitch Mental Checklist

Run Through This Before Every Single Pitch

What's the count?

What did we throw last?

How did the batter react?

What's the game situation (runners, outs, score)?

What's working today for my pitcher?

What's my pitcher's BEST pitch right now?

Confidence Rule

If you hesitate or look uncertain, it shakes the pitcher's confidence. Make a decisive call. If it's wrong, adjust. Indecision is worse than a wrong decision.

Communication with the Defense

Signal defensive positioning before pitches (wave fielders left/right)
Call out the number of outs loudly
Remind corner infielders of bunt defense situations
Alert the team to the pitch count on the batter

Listen to the Other Dugout

Intelligence Gathering

Coaches yelling adjustments tells you exactly what's working. If they yell "wait for the fastball" — throw the changeup. If they yell "lay off the drop" — use the drop as a setup pitch instead of a strike pitch. The opposing dugout is giving you free information. Use it.

10. Building a Game Plan & Mid-Game Adjustments

Pre-Game: Know Your Pitcher Today

Which pitches are working in warmups?
How does she feel physically?
What's her best pitch today (it may differ from game to game)?
Rank her pitches: What's #1? What's #2? What's unreliable today?

Pre-Game: Study the Opposing Lineup

Have you faced them before? What did each hitter do?
Are there slappers? Where in the lineup?
Who are their power hitters?
Do any hitters have obvious holes?

Default Plans by Hitter Type

Hitter Type	Default Approach
Aggressive / Power	Start outside, use changeups, avoid inside mistakes
Slapper	Rise balls up, changeups, inside pitches
Weak / Unknown	Fastball strikes. Don't walk them. Let your pitcher dominate.
Patient / Good Eye	Mix early, don't fall behind, challenge them in the zone

Mid-Game Adjustment Framework

After First Time Through the Order

Who's dangerous and who's not?
What pitch gave each batter trouble?
Did anyone crush something? Don't throw it there again.
Who looked comfortable? They need a different approach.

Second Time Through

Hitters adjust. They've seen your pitcher's stuff.
Change the first pitch from what you started with.
Show them something new — if they haven't seen the rise ball, introduce it.

Third Time Through (Most Critical)

The order has seen 6-10 pitches from your pitcher
You MUST change approach from the first two at-bats
This is where great pitch calling separates from average
Pitch backwards, use pitches in unexpected counts, change the pace

In-Game Intelligence

Keep mental notes like:

"Hitter #3 swung through the changeup both at-bats — keep using it"
"Hitter #7 adjusted to outside — go inside next time"
"Their coach is yelling 'lay off the high one' — it WAS working, now they'll take it — use it as a setup instead"

11. Common Mistakes Young Catchers Make

Random Reasoning

"I feel like throwing a curve" is not a reason. Every pitch must have a PURPOSE. "She struggled with the last changeup, so I want to set up another one" IS a reason.

"We Haven't Thrown That in a While"

Calling a pitch just because it hasn't been used recently is the same as random reasoning wearing a strategy costume. That's not a reason to throw it.

Calling Pitches the Pitcher Doesn't Have

If your pitcher's curve isn't working today, stop calling it. It doesn't matter how good the strategy is if the pitch isn't there. Ride what's working.

Calling Pitches to Locations She Can't Hit

Asking for a backdoor curve when your pitcher can't locate that pitch = hit batters or meatballs. Know her location limitations, not just her repertoire.

Throwing Strikes on 0-2

The most common young catcher mistake. With 0-2, the batter should have to chase. Don't groove a pitch going for the "quick kill." The result is often a hit.

Being Predictable

Always starting with the same pitch. Always throwing a changeup after two fastballs. Always going outside with two strikes. Patterns get exploited.

Not Adjusting

Seeing a batter crush the inside fastball and then calling another inside fastball next at-bat. If it didn't work, CHANGE.

Overthinking

Trying to be too clever with weaker hitters. Sometimes the fastball for a strike is the right call. Not every at-bat needs to be a chess match.

Lack of Confidence

Hesitating on signs, looking to the dugout constantly, or changing the call at the last second. This destroys pitcher confidence. Be decisive.

Ignoring the Pitcher's Feel

The pitcher shakes off the sign and you put the same sign down again. Trust your pitcher. She knows what she can execute in that moment.

12. What College Programs Expect

Why This Matters Now

Most college coaches say their catchers never learned how to call games when they were younger — and now they don't have the knowledge or confidence to do it at the college level. Learning at 14U puts you years ahead of the competition.

The Data-Driven Approach

Power 5 conference programs use extensive analytics:

Spray charts — Where each hitter succeeds and struggles
Zone-segment batting averages — What a hitter does in each of the 9 zones
Pitch-type performance — How hitters perform against fastballs vs. changeups vs. drops
Count-specific tendencies — What hitters do on 0-0 vs. 1-1 vs. 0-2

College-Level Calling Hierarchy

Pitcher's strengths first
Hitter's weaknesses second
Game situation third
Count fourth
"Feel" / instinct fifth

What College Catchers Are Expected to Do

Know every hitter's tendencies before the game
Call 80%+ of pitches independently
Adjust the game plan in real-time without coach input
Communicate adjustments to the pitcher between innings
Track what's working and what isn't throughout the game

13. Your Development Path

Foundation

Start here — master the basics

Learn your pitcher's repertoire — what she throws and what she commands
Master basic signals (1=fastball, 2=drop, 3=rise, 4=curve, fist=change, plus location)
Understand the count and what it means (ahead, behind, even)
Start calling simple games: fastball to get ahead, best pitch to get the out

Adding Layers

Read and react

Learn to read batter reactions after each pitch
Introduce setup pitches (this pitch exists to make the next one better)
Practice count-based location (in the zone early, expand later)
Study opposing hitters during the game — what are they swinging at?

Strategic Thinking

Think like a college catcher

Develop pre-game plans for different hitter types
Learn pitch tunneling concepts (pair pitches that look alike)
Practice changing approach 2nd and 3rd time through the lineup
Start tracking tendencies mentally across games

Elite Development

Separate yourself from everyone else

Call games independently with minimal coach input
Use speed differential strategically (not just "throw a change when ahead")
Read and react to opposing dugout adjustments
Build a scouting notebook on regular opponents
Develop instinct — the "feel" for what's right in a given moment

Practice Activities

Chart your pitcher — Track which pitches hit their spots in practice
Call bullpen sessions — Practice sequencing during pitcher warm-ups
Watch college games — Focus on what the catcher calls and why
Post-game review — Go through at-bats and discuss what worked/didn't
Situational scrimmages — Set up game situations and practice calling
Film study — Watch video of opposing hitters if available

The 10 Rules of Pitch Calling

Throw strikes and get ahead. Everything is easier with a lead in the count.

Call what your pitcher can execute. The best strategy means nothing if the pitch isn't there.

Every pitch has a purpose. Even "waste" pitches set something up.

Read the batter's reaction. The hitter tells you what to throw next.

Change speeds, locations, and eye levels. Movement keeps hitters guessing.

Expand the zone as you get ahead. In the zone at 0-0, off the plate at 0-2.

Don't be predictable. Vary your patterns, especially against good hitters.

Adjust through the game. What worked in the 1st inning may not work in the 5th.

Be decisive. A confident wrong call is better than a hesitant right call.

When in doubt, throw low and outside. The safest pitch in softball.

Built for the catcher who wants to be elite. Sources include coaching insights from Cindy Bristow, Ken Krause, Myndie Berka, Jason Immekus, and the DiscussFastpitch community.