Why the First Pitch Matters More Than You Think

If you’ve ever worked with the best remote pitching coach, you’ve likely heard the phrase: “Get ahead and stay ahead.” In elite pitching development—whether you're training in person or through a remote pitching program—the data all points to one thing: getting ahead 0-1 drastically increases a pitcher’s chance of success.

While first-pitch strikes are often emphasized, it's the 0-1 count specifically that creates measurable leverage.

📉 What the Data Tells Us: 0-1 vs. 1-0

• At a 0-0 count, hitters in MLB bat around .270.
  
  
• After 0-1, that average drops to .180–.200.
  
  
• At 1-0, it jumps to over .300.
  
  

This shift in batting average underscores why top coaches—especially those running remote pitching training programs—prioritize first-pitch command. A single strike can drastically tip the scale.

🎯 Key Advantages of Getting Ahead 0-1

1. Full Access to Your Arsenal

Once a pitcher gets ahead, they can:

• Use putaway pitches earlier
  
  
• Throw chase pitches off the plate
  
  
• Sequence freely without fear of falling behind
  
  

This flexibility is a hallmark of advanced pitching training, allowing pitchers to stay unpredictable and control tempo.

2. Forced Hitter Adjustments

Behind 0-1, hitters:

• Become more defensive
  
  
• Chase pitches out of the zone
  
  
• Make weaker, early-contact swings
  
  

This leads to poor outcomes for hitters and creates quicker outs—especially crucial in pitch-count management.

3. Reduced Predictability

Pitchers behind in counts often have to:

• “Groove” fastballs
  
  
• Avoid secondary pitches
  
  
• Play into hitters’ strengths
  
  

But ahead 0-1, the pitcher can disrupt timing, change speeds, and dominate the zone.

📈 Small Wins Add Up Big Over Time

While a single 0-1 count might feel insignificant, over the course of a season—or thousands of pitches—it becomes a predictor of long-term efficiency and strikeout potential. At VeloU, our remote pitching development program emphasizes mastering count leverage to improve both mechanical efficiency and mental performance.

🔁 Real-World Application: What VeloU Athletes Learn

At VeloU, our athletes—especially those working with the best remote pitching coaches—are trained to:

• Attack the zone early with purpose
  
  
• Develop sequencing strategies off 0-1 counts
  
  
• Build confidence in secondary pitches early in the count
  
  

This strategy is integrated directly into our remote app experience, where athletes receive personalized pitch plans and game simulations.

🚀 Ready to Train Smarter?

If you're a pitcher looking to gain every advantage on the mound, don't overlook the power of the 0-1 count.
Get started with VeloU's remote training and receive a free mechanics breakdown and two weeks of individualized programming.

👉 Sign Up for Remote Pitching Training