I'm going to write about batting strategies based on the count, aimed at beginners in amateur baseball.
To be honest, I can't write anything particularly groundbreaking, but I'll share how I do things.
When there are 0 strikes
First, in most cases, the pitcher will throw a strike on the first pitch.
Unless it's a really critical situation or the batter isn't someone the pitcher is wary of, the first pitch should be a strike.
In other words, it's best to assume that the first pitch will definitely be a strike and try to swing at the first pitch.
Some people might think it's a waste to swing at the first pitch and strike out.
However, the first pitch (or first strike) is the count with the highest probability of resulting in a hit.
You don't need to swing at everything, but try to be able to "swing at the first pitch."
As the count goes from one ball to two balls, the probability of getting a strike increases steadily.
When you're down to three balls, it's not a bad idea to wait one more ball.
If you have a runner on third base and absolutely need to bring them home, I think it's okay to swing at the ball.
However, the basic strategy is to try to unsettle the batter by, for example, assuming a bunting stance.
In particular, if a batter leans over home plate after starting their pitching motion, it makes it difficult for the pitcher to throw, increasing the likelihood of a walk.
When there is one strike
In a way, this is your last chance to take a full swing.
I'd rather not be put in a difficult situation, so I'm hoping for an easy pitch.
However, if you're on a particularly challenging course, you can overlook this.
There aren't many pitchers who can consistently throw to such a difficult spot, so the next one is likely to be a little easier.
When the count is 2 balls, the pitcher is more likely to throw a strike because they don't want to go to 3 balls.
In that case, it's best to anticipate a strike and go for it.
"Batting count" is a very apt term.
When the count is 3 balls, the pitcher is even more eager to throw a strike.
This is a good opportunity to take a gamble on your favorite pitch location and aim for an extra-base hit.
However, swinging at a 3-ball count and striking out only helps a struggling opponent.
As a team, we've decided "we will absolutely not swing at a 3-ball count."
It's important to establish rules like these.
When there are two strikes
I'm in a desperate situation.
Normally, this is a count where you'd be afraid of striking out and wouldn't be able to bat properly.
However, this is precisely the time to swing hard without fear of striking out.
If you swing in a way that's just trying to make contact, you'll be late on a fastball coming your way.
Also, depending on the person, some people who normally use a leg-raising form may switch to a no-step form when they are under pressure.
I think it's a sign of wanting to avoid striking out.
First, let's focus on the breaking balls that will end up being balls.
If the count is 0 balls, the pitcher won't be so foolish as to throw straight into the strike zone, so you need to watch out for curveballs that move from the strike zone into the ball zone.
In amateur baseball, it's a good idea to be aware of two types of pitches: fastballs and slowballs (curveballs).
There isn't much difference between 0 balls and 1 ball, but when it becomes 2 balls, the opponent will also want to avoid going to 3 balls, so they will play more aggressively.
The pitcher is still allowed one more ball, so they can take a gamble on a close call.
Therefore, let's place the stakes mainly around the course.
With a 3-ball count, the batter and pitcher have roughly equal chances.
However, if there's an open base, the pitcher might be willing to walk the batter and throw a ball outside the strike zone.
Don't assume that a pitcher will simply throw strikes just because they want to avoid walks.
It's important to keep the base situation in mind and try to anticipate your opponent's thought process.
Points to practice
The first thing I want to tell beginners is that they should focus on getting that first strike.
The first pitch is often the easiest to hit, so instead of just letting it go by, you should definitely try to hit it.
To practice hitting the ball in one swing, focus intensely on the very first pitch you throw at the batting cage when you start a game.
Before inserting the coin, do some warm-up exercises and hit the first pitch as if you were a batter just stepping up to the plate.
Another good idea is to practice at a batting cage when you're down to two strikes.
If you get used to the speed with an early-speed machine, you'll have less fear of striking out, and you'll be able to approach the game with much more confidence.