Throwing "off" the plate

Every communication system between a pitcher and a catcher needs to have a signal that says " I want this ball off the plate." I like to use the terminology of a "gap" pitch. This means that the pitch is in the gap between the batters box and the plate.

When the catcher signals to the pitcher that he wants a gap fastball he is telling him that he wants an intentional ball. I believe this is a very important part of pitching. The ability to command the strike zone also includes the ability to command outside the strike zone.

When the count runs 0-2 or 1-2 in certain scenarios, you want to get the batter out by having him chase your pitch. To effectively do this, the catcher should signal to the pitcher that the ball should be thrown off the plate.

An effective way to do this is to give a signal that indicates the "gap." We use a chopping motion. I also believe it is important to signal the gap signal before the pitch. The last thing you want to do is cause the pitcher to balk because he is caught off guard after he knows what pitch he is throwing.

Call the gap, then call the pitch.