How to Chart Baseball
Baseball charting consists of the systemic recording of hitting and pitching data. The charting process reveals weaknesses, strengths and habits -- good or bad -- which can be analyzed and worked on by coaches. Scouts also use charting to dig into the numbers and profile of a player, and determine whether or not he fits the needs of the team. Baseball charts take many forms, based on the preferences of the user. Each performs the same basic task, however, to record with as much relevant detail as possible.
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Instructions
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Balls and Strikes
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Write the name and number of the batter into the corresponding fields on your chart, and indicate whether he is right- or left-handed. Do the same for the pitcher.
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Mark down every ball and strike thrown. If you are using a standard graph chart, and the first pitch is a ball, mark it in the ball, or "B" column. Use your pen to make a dot inside the box which corresponds to the location of the pitch. For example; if the pitch is low and outside, place a dot in the bottom right hand corner of the box (for a right-handed hitter).
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Mark a strike in the same manner, but use the strike or "S" boxes. Some charts provide a separate strike zone field, on which you can record the location of each pitch. By writing the number of the pitch, you indicate it was not swung at. By circling that number, you indicate it was. This provides specific location information, as well as reveals trends in the batter's swing habits.
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Write the speed of the pitch in the velocity or "V" box. If you do not use speed ratings, or radar guns, mark the type of pitch thrown in these boxes. All baseball charts should have a space for the type of pitch thrown. If your blank charts do not, alter or replace them. Mark the pitch thrown with the same signs the catcher and pitcher use in the game. For example; use 1 to represent a fastball, 2 for curve, 3 for slider, 4 for change-up and so on. The sign selection should depend on the pitcher, and the array of pitches he throws.
Contact
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Mark any contact in fair territory, on the baseball diamond portion of the chart. If the batter gets a hit, mark the location on the field where the ball traveled, and write the type of hit in shorthand. For example; if the batter hits a double to left, write "2B" in left field on the baseball diamond. If he or she hits a single to right, write "1B" in right field on the diamond.
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Draw the path of the ball as hit on the baseball diamond portion of your chart. A dotted line should indicate a ground ball, a straight line should indicate a line drive, and an arching line indicates a fly ball.
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Mark any outs made, and how they were made, in the "Results" field. If your chart does not have a results field, use the space next to the baseball diamond. If the batter makes contact, but does not get a hit, write down how he was put out. For example; if the batter hits a ground ball to shortstop, who then throws him or her out, write "6-3" to represent the positions of the players who made the put out. If a batter hits a fly ball to left, write "F7."
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Tips & Warnings
Charts can prove far more useful than general stats in real game situations. Charts record the specific strengths, weaknesses, habits and trends displayed by each hitter and each pitcher. Having real knowledge about how to approach a pitcher or hitter during the course of a game can take the guesswork out of the task at hand.
Standard charts are available for download on the Internet, or for purchase in sporting goods stores. Charts can also be made by the user, to fit his and preferences precisely.
Identical charts can be used to record pitching and hitting data. The approach taken by the person recording the data is the only thing that changes.
Never rely solely on charts for your game plan. Although they are filled with useful historical information and trends, there is no guarantee the trends will continue. Good players adjust, and if you change your approach to a given player to meet the charted expectations, that player may change his or her approach in response to you.
References
Resources
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