How to Work the Count as a Catcher

One of the little known responsibilities of a hind catcher in baseball is knowing how to work the count. This means knowing when and where to call for what pitch. The catcher gives the signals to the pitcher and also suggests a placement based upon a number of in-game factors. Here is a guide to the basics of working the count as a catcher.

The first thing you should know is that a catcher has to control the game from behind the plate. Many pitchers have egos, and the catcher has to find a way to keep them happy while still having the final say about what pitches need to be thrown and when. This is done most effectively by being strong and persistent in your signal calling and making sure your manager or coach is on board as well. Talk with your coach about how much control you should have when behind the plate.

When a batter steps into the box, it is the catcher's job to know their tendencies. This means studying the opposition before the game. Catchers have to be proactive in this way to know how to pitch an opposing lineup. If this is not possible for any reason, then the catcher needs to call the game conservatively until they figure out who has what weakness.

Generally speaking, the catcher will begin each hitter with the pitcher's control pitch. In other words, call the pitch that they are most likely to throw squarely where the catcher wants it. What pitch can the pitcher control the best? This is vital because the catcher will want to get ahead in the count. Some hitters are notorious first pitch hitters. In this case, the catcher may call a sinker ball or other such pitch that dives out of the strike zone. Make sure that the first pitch takes the count and puts it in the pitcher/catcher's favor.

If the first pitch is successful then the catcher has more options. They might throw the pitch that the batter is most likely to chase to get ahead 0-2. If the first pitch is not successful, the next pitch has to be a strike. You do not want to go down 2-0 to a hitter under any circumstances.

Remember that pitching and working the count is not only about the type of pitch but the location. The catcher should watch where the hitter is in the box and adjust the pitch location accordingly. If they are crowding the plate, a high and inside fastball will solve that problem. If they are well off the plate, then paint the outside with a sweeping curve ball. Move the pitches in and out as well up and down.

Always remember that when you are ahead in the count with two strikes and two or less balls, you should throw a waste pitch. In other words, you should throw a pitch that is near the strike zone, but obviously out of the strike zone. Many hitters will chase these pitches and you get an early strike out.

Another consideration is whether you have a runner on third with less than two outs. The hitter will be looking to drive the ball in the air to the outfield, so you need to keep the ball down in the strike zone. This is very important to keep the offense from manufacturing runs.

Calling a game and working the count as a catcher is not something that you learn over night. The key is to prepare before the game, and make sure you are aware of what is going on at all times. Awareness will keep you thinking and calling the right pitches.