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The difference between a good pitcher and a great one isn’t just about velocity or movement of a single pitch– it’s about the strategic deployment of an entire arsenal of pitches. Pitch tunneling is a concept that has gained significant traction among elite pitchers and coaches. It’s a sophisticated technique that can elevate a pitcher's effectiveness to new heights.
Drawing insights from Premier Pitching Performance (PPP) coach Jason Immekus, we will delve into the nuances of pitch tunneling and its pivotal role in modern pitching.
Pitch tunneling is the practice of making different pitches appear identical to the batter for as long as possible during their flight towards home plate. This illusion forces the hitter to make split-second decisions, often leading to mistakes or weak contact.
Jason Immekus shared his thoughts as a pitching coach,
“The goal of pitch tunneling is to make everything look the same out of hand and not to tip the hitter off on what kind of pitch might be coming based on how it pops out of your hand or how it carries to the plate.”
For example, a fastball and a curveball can be tunneled in such a way that they share a common path until just before reaching the plate, where they diverge dramatically in velocity and trajectory.
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The essence of pitch tunneling lies in its psychological impact on hitters. By forcing them to make more decisions in less time, pitchers can induce uncertainty and hesitation. This is particularly effective against seasoned hitters who rely on subtle cues to anticipate pitch types. The more a pitcher can disguise their pitches or intentions, the more challenging it becomes for hitters to adjust and make solid contact.
One of the most compelling aspects of pitch tunneling is its ability to level the playing field. Pitchers whose raw stuff may not be overwhelmingly dominant can find success by mastering the art of deception. This is achieved through meticulous control over pitch release points, trajectories and spin. A well-executed tunneling strategy can compensate for a lack of overpowering velocity or movement, allowing pitchers to outwit their opponents on the mound.
Consistency in Release Point: To effectively tunnel pitches, maintaining a consistent release point is crucial. This consistency makes it difficult for hitters to distinguish between pitch types based on the point of release.
Manipulating Spin and Trajectory: By subtly altering the spin and axis of different pitches while keeping their initial trajectories aligned, pitchers can create the illusion of a single pitch type before revealing the true nature of the pitch as it approaches the plate.
Observe Your “Tips”: Immekus emphasizes the importance of observation not just to identify your opponents for potential tells but also to identify your own. By watching yourself prepare or wind up for a pitch in a full-size mirror or in front of a video camera, you can practice making your pitches look the same. This way, you can prevent hitters from tipping your pitches.
The psychological play between pitcher and hitter is a fascinating aspect of the game. Pitch tunneling represents a powerful weapon in a pitcher's arsenal, capable of tilting the odds in their favor even against the most formidable hitters. As coach Jason Immekus aptly highlights, success in pitching often hinges on the ability to blend physical skill with effective strategy. By mastering the art of pitch tunneling, pitchers can enhance their performance, outsmart their opponents and contribute significantly to their team's success.
Premier Pitching Performance is dedicated to advancing the understanding and application of data-driven pitch training to develop talented, intelligent and strategic players. Through meticulous programming, keen observation and a thorough grasp of the nuances of pitching, pitchers can aspire to reach new heights of performance, making every pitch count in the high-stakes game of baseball.
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