A simple approach to pitching is to think of it as an action that elicits a reaction from the hitter. Good hitters have an incredible ability to react to the flight of the baseball and consistently make hard contact. Watch any round of batting practice at the college or pro level—these athletes are elite decision-makers.

The Goal of Effective Pitching

As pitchers, the primary objective is to disrupt the hitter's ability to trust what their eyes are telling them. Why? Because hitting is a split-second reaction. And the fastest way to disrupt a reaction is to increase the number of decisions a hitter must make and shorten the time they have to make them.

Why Hitters Succeed in Plus Counts

In plus counts (e.g., 2-0, 3-1), offensive metrics like batting average, OBP, and slugging percentage skyrocket. Why? Hitters can eliminate decision points and focus on one zone or pitch type. They reduce mental load and act with conviction.

Remote Pitching Training: Tactical Disruption

So how can pitchers add decision points and reduce a hitter's reaction time?

• More Velocity = Less Time to React
• More Movement Profiles = More Decisions to Make

Below are case studies from VeloU's pro athletes that highlight how different attack strategies can achieve this goal.

Case Study #1: Yorlin Calderon – Horizontal Attack (New York Yankees MILB)

Yorlin's lower arm slot allows for a unique horizontal movement profile:

• Sinker at 93 mph with 18+ inches of arm-side run
• Sweeper at 78 mph with 18+ inches of glove-side break

Hitters must decide: Is this pitch coming in to hit me or breaking away to the opposite corner?

This east-west battle creates extreme visual confusion. If you've ever seen a hitter swing at a pitch that hits them—this is often why.

Case Study #2: Brandon Neeck – Vertical Attack (Los Angeles Dodgers MILB)

Brandon uses a traditional arm slot but maximizes vertical deception through extension:

• Four-seam fastball with strong carry at the top of the zone
• Hard cutter breaking into the hands of RHH
• Slider and changeup layered from similar release points but finishing below the zone

Hitters must decide: "Is this pitch staying high, or will it fall off the table?"

Case Study #3: Eric Yost – Layered Attack (San Diego Padres MILB)

Eric relies on glove-side layering with variable speeds and shapes:

• Cutter, slider, curveball – same direction, different velocities and movement shapes
• Sinker – only pitch that moves in the opposite direction

This multi-pitch, multi-speed sequence forces hitters to identify shape and speed in milliseconds.

Building Predictability for Unpredictability

To create deception, pitchers must first master consistency:

• Consistent movement profiles allow better control and execution.
• Repeatable shapes support pitch tunneling (i.e., multiple pitches sharing early flight paths).

With consistent visual cues, pitchers can then layer and disrupt with sequencing.

A Word on the Knuckleball: Controlled Chaos

Though rare, the knuckleball highlights the value of unpredictability:

• No spin, erratic movement
• Affected by wind, seam orientation, humidity

The seams create turbulent air flow, leading to fluttering motion. Forces can shift mid-flight, confusing hitters.

While knuckleballs aren’t for everyone, their success reinforces that disruption—not dominance—is the goal.

Why VeloU Excels in Remote Pitching Coaching

VeloU’s remote training model equips athletes to:

• Maximize velocity through force development
• Refine movement profiles through video feedback and biomechanics analysis
• Layer pitches effectively using structured, individualized programming

Want to learn how to disrupt hitters from anywhere in the world? Sign up for your free mechanical analysis and 2-week trial here.

Final Thoughts

Pitching is a science of disruption. The best remote pitching coaches—like those at VeloU—train athletes to shrink time and expand decision-making. Whether it’s horizontal manipulation, vertical deception, or layered tunneling, the name of the game is uncertainty.