There is an outstanding example of “working the recognition zone” of the batter on YOU TUBE. Basically, what’s being shown here is the same initial flight path of an incoming ball – over and over again, that looks identical to the batter ---- but at the last minute about ten to fifteen feet in front of the plate it changes its (the ball) complexion totally.
Below is the basic proposition of the dynamics of a pitch. The travel zone is the part where the batter has no real idea of what the pitch is, nor does the batter have confidence in making a quality contact. However, the recognition zone is all together different – here the batter has FIRST the ability to spot the incoming pitch and identify its type, the SECOND the batter has a very confident decision making process that a quality contact with the bat is very plausible.
It’s that SECOND part that we as pitchers fool with, and the better we are at showing the batter one thing that turns out to be something totally different the greater our advantage.
On YOUTUBE – type in Brian Carcerano JV Pitching and watch how this pitcher shows three (3) pitches that look relatively the same – but end up different at the plate. Why did he choose these three (3) pitches? Because the batter had a “at bat” posture that indicated an “area of contact confidence” that was from the shoulders to the chest high. Look at the batting stance and how and where the batter holds the bat!! So, if this batter had confidence with an incoming pitch at that location… it only goes to figure that he would continue that confidence… i.e., mindset, during the swing.
I would strongly suggest studying this video and make it part of your “things to do list” this season.
Coach B.