The FB, more than any other pitch, can be located in the strike zone more consistently, and if a pitcher can make quality pitches in good locations he will be successful. The ability to use it, and the confidence the pitchers have in this pitch, help to make the organization's pitching staff one of the best in baseball year after year. How to use the FB Have a game plan that does not change from game to game. Establish in the hitter's mind that the pitcher is coming after him hard and inside. Hitter's ego is challenged and it helps to take the hitter's mind off the task at hand.
Hitter tries to over-compensate for inside pitch.
Hitter opens up too soon or lunges. Opens up the outside part of the plate for other pitches. Breaking ball pitchers must still use FB to keep hitter off the plate looking for the off-speed pitch away. Use of FB to 4 corners of the strike zone. This keeps hitter from anticipating location and hitter does not see the same pitch as often.