The three elements to every pitch

Every pitch that is thrown in a baseball game has three elements attached to it. How fast is the pitch thrown? How much movement did the pitch have? Where did the pitch end up? Of the three, which is the most important? Let's discuss.

All children learn how to throw fastballs before they throw any other pitch. In fact, if you're a pitcher it must mean that you learned over time to throw strikes with your fastball. Regardless of how hard you throw, if you couldn't throw strikes you were removed from the mound. The point I'm making is when throwing the fastball, the most important element is location. If a pitcher can spot his fastball inside, outside, up and down it is an invaluable weapon! I would probably rank the next elements as movement followed lastly by velocity.

The curveball is probably the second most popular pitch. So, what element is important here. Well, if the pitch doesn't move it really wouldn't be called a curveball would it? Actually, a curveball with good "tilt" or break is very effective regardless if it's a strike or not. Many solid hitters chase breakers in the dirt because the pitch appears to be a strike. The breaking ball with excellent tilt is the primary feature you must develop when throwing this pitch.

The changeup's significance is based upon its' velocity. The irony is that it is the slowest pitch in a pitcher's arsenal. However, a change of speed needs to simply be slower that its fastball by at least 8 mph for it to be very effective. I know many coaches stress "same arm speed" and that is important. But, if your change isn't 8 mph off of your fastball it will be hit with more success than the pitcher would like.

To recap, the fastball needs to be located well for maximum effectiveness. The curveball must have good movement for maximum effectiveness. The changeup must have great speed differential for maximum effectiveness.