Strike Zone Adjustment

[DaveASA/FED]

I know we have talked some about this in the past, but had a long weekend. Rec league tourney 12U ASA where my strike zone was the main topic of the tourney. How small it was, the only complaints I heard were on the high pitches, kind of slow pitch arc and I have gotten to where I won't call the top of the shoulder, this from past UIC input at state tournies. Anyway the real question is I could have gotten LOTS more strikes if I would have given that extra couple of inches up top, do any of you adjust your zone to the level of pitchers? I don't as I have been known to keep it there once I get to higher levels and get frowns there. I give wide but bring it up and down! Interested in hearing your thoughts, also how can I go from getting plate on a 12U ASA state tourney for the championship game to having a terrible strike zone 2 weeks later at a rec tourney?

[Andy]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

...Anyway the real question is I could have gotten LOTS more strikes if I would have given that extra couple of inches up top, do any of you adjust your zone to the level of pitchers?

Yes, to a point. I try to call the entire zone in the first place and will make it slightly bigger if both pitchers need it as the game goes on. I will only adjust the zone larger, not smaller.

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

...I don't as I have been known to keep it there once I get to higher levels and get frowns there...

This is one of the downfalls of "adjusting" your zone. In your case, it might be better to stay with the same zone no matter what level you are working if you have trouble making the adjustment.

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

...also how can I go from getting plate on a 12U ASA state tourney for the championship game to having a terrible strike zone 2 weeks later at a rec tourney?

Because you're human? (as far as I know!)

[mcrowder]

Originally Posted by DaveASA/FED

I know we have talked some about this in the past, but had a long weekend. Rec league tourney 12U ASA where my strike zone was the main topic of the tourney. How small it was, the only complaints I heard were on the high pitches, kind of slow pitch arc and I have gotten to where I won't call the top of the shoulder, this from past UIC input at state tournies. Anyway the real question is I could have gotten LOTS more strikes if I would have given that extra couple of inches up top, do any of you adjust your zone to the level of pitchers? I don't as I have been known to keep it there once I get to higher levels and get frowns there. I give wide but bring it up and down! Interested in hearing your thoughts, also how can I go from getting plate on a 12U ASA state tourney for the championship game to having a terrible strike zone 2 weeks later at a rec tourney?

Don't change your zone.

Don't change your zone.

Don't change your zone.

That said ... , I usually try to get someone to film a game of mine a couple of times during the season - from the vicinity of both dugouts for an inning or so, and from behind (or as behind as possible without being blocked by ... well), and then watch it to make sure my zone isn't off in some way. But if your zone is good, changing it almost invariably leads to problems, and can even be unfair (you decide to give an extra inch or two at the top, but only one of the pitchers is having a problem with high pitches - you've benefitted one but not the other).