Two-Strike Plan 0-2, 1-2, 2-2, 3-2: know what changes.
Hitters spend a lot of at-bats with two strikes, and most strikeouts come from not having a plan for it. Count by count: what changes in your swing, what to look for, and what to lay off.
- 3 minutes
- Count by count
- Free · no sign-up
Two-Strike Plan
Read the count and situation, pick the right two-strike plan, then read why.
Why a two-strike plan matters
With two strikes, the goal changes: a ball in play beats a strikeout. That doesn’t mean swinging at everything. It means a slightly shorter swing, a zone one ball wider, and knowing which pitch the pitcher wants you to chase.
It also matters how you get there. Hitters do far better at 2-2 and 3-2 than at 0-2, so winning the early counts is part of the plan.
Training guide
What it trains
A two-strike approach: protecting the zone, staying calm and putting the ball in play.
Who it’s for
Hitters who strike out a lot or tense up with two strikes.
How to get better
- Widen your zone a little and shorten your move, without giving up your swing.
- Look for the fastball and react to off-speed.
- Use the same breath and routine before every two-strike pitch.
- Track how often you put the ball in play with two strikes.
Read more on the Backspin Blog
- Two Strike Approach Baseball: How to Battle
- Softball Two Strike Approach: How to Battle
- Why Hitters Choke Under Pressure: 5 Fixes
- Bad At-Bat? How Hitters Bounce Back From 0-for-3
Next step: run the free Hitter Combine to find your #1 priority, or train this skill start to finish in the Mental Approach course.
Questions
What should a hitter do with two strikes?
Shorten the swing slightly, widen the zone about a ball’s width, look fastball and adjust to off-speed, and lay off the chase pitch (high fastball or breaking ball in the dirt).
Should you choke up with two strikes?
Many hitters do. Choking up or shortening the stride gives a little more bat control and time to see the ball.
What do pitchers throw 0-2?
Usually a pitch just off the plate meant to be chased: a high fastball or a breaking ball below the zone.