Youth Inc. Recommends: Five Resources to Improve Your Hitter’s Approach to Different Pitch Counts

With limited pitches per at-bat and only a few opportunities each game, it’s crucial for hitters to be mentally locked in with a clear plan every single pitch. Plate discipline isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about mental sharpness, count awareness, and making smart decisions under pressure. These five resources break down how hitters can approach each count with purpose, adjust their mindset, and take control of the game. Helping your hitters understand the mental side of pitch counts can elevate their performance to the next level 

Mental Approach to Different Pitch Counts

What it is:  Applied Vision Baseball walks you through each hitters' count—0-0, 3-0, 2-2, and more—explaining the strategies, mindset, and decision-making needed for each situation. Learn how to dominate the plate by mastering the mental game of hitting.

Why we like it: This article brings the mental game to life helping hitters understand the “why” behind their approach and how it shifts throughout the at-bat. It emphasizes the idea that “we’re only as good as the pitches we swing at” and our ability to adjust.

Adjusting Your Approach Based on the Count

What it is: Matt Antonelli, former MLB player, breaks down how to adjust your approach as a hitter depending on whether you're ahead or behind in the count. Discover how a 'yes-yes-no' mindset and understanding pitch selection can elevate your game.

Why we like it: Matt’s “yes-yes-no” philosophy simplifies the mental side of hitting while teaching players how to stay aggressive and disciplined at the same time. This video puts emphasis on finding YOUR pitch and how to shift your mindset when you are ahead in the count vs behind in the count.

Two Strike Hitting

What it is: The Hitting Vault walks you through the mindset, mechanics, and strategies of hitting with two strikes. Learn how to adjust your approach, protect the zone, and battle when the pressure is on. 

Why we like it: Two-strike situations separate great hitters from good ones. This resource goes over some key mistakes in two strike counts and gives players practical tools to battle at the plate—and come out on top. 

Shrinking the Zone with Less Than Two Strikes

What it is: Coach Banwart breaks down how to shrink the zone and focus on your strong side of the plate with less than two strikes—perfect for young hitters beginning to understand their swing and create a plan which tailors to their strengths.

Why we like it: This video provides a great visual of the plate locations and the types of hitter strategies to use when you have less than two strikes. It is great for younger athletes starting to reflect on their swing and strengths and applying that to their plan at the plate.

Just Because the Count Changes, Doesn’t Mean your Confidence Should

What it is: Coach Rac shows statistical evidence of how batting averages change in different hitting counts due to the confidence batters have in those counts. He provides mindset advice for hitters to always convince themselves they’re ahead in the count—helping them capitalize on missed pitches and overcome the mental drop that comes with being behind.

Why we like it: This video acknowledges the confidence shift that happens when the count changes, which is often overlooked. Coach Rac simplifies the at-bat by reminding hitters that no matter the count, pitchers still have to throw strikes over the plate—helping players stay calm, focused, and in control.