WTP is an acronym that stands for “Win The Pitch” and is commonly used in softball to refer to a pitching philosophy or approach to pitching. The basic concept behind WTP is that the pitcher focuses on winning each individual pitch rather than worrying about the larger context of the game. The WTP mentality aims to break down pitching into small, focused battles, where the pitcher’s sole objective is to out-smart, out-think, and out-execute the hitter on every single pitch.
Some key things to know about WTP in softball:
It emphasizes pitch-by-pitch focus and execution
WTP means tuning out distractions and focusing intently on making your best pitch in the moment. Rather than thinking about your pitching line for the game or what the score is, it means zeroing in on executing the next pitch with intent and purpose. Each pitch is its own separate challenge to win against the hitter.
It is a proactive pitching mindset
WTP is about being on the offensive as a pitcher. Rather than reacting to the hitter’s strengths, it means pitching with confidence, attacking zones, and dictating the terms of the matchup. The pitcher takes charge and looks to put the hitter on the defensive.
It requires mental toughness and competitiveness
To pitch with a WTP attitude, you need grit, drive, and a relentless desire to come out on top. Bringing intensity and effort to every single pitch without letting up is crucial. It takes mental focus, endurance, and a competitive spirit.
It is about pitching smart and with a plan
WTP doesn’t just mean blindly attacking hitters. It requires strategizing, scouting reports, and understanding hitter weaknesses to exploit. The most effective pitchers pitch with intelligence and purpose, not just aggression. You pitch to your strengths against the hitter’s vulnerabilities.
Where did WTP originate?
The concept of WTP is widely attributed to legendary softball coach Bill Plummer. Over his highly successful career coaching college and U.S. National teams, Plummer emphasized the mantra “Win The Pitch” with his pitchers. His teachings on pitching philosophy were hugely influential and the WTP mentality was central to his approach.
Many of the game’s best pitchers learned directly from Plummer and incorporated WTP into their mindsets during their careers. Plummer’s coaching tree includes famous pitchers like Lisa Fernandez, Michele Granger, and Cat Osterman, passing down the WTP mentality. His teachings through coaching clinics and books also spread the WTP philosophy far and wide within the softball world.
Though the exact origin is unknown, Coach Plummer undoubtedly popularized WTP starting in the 1980s and 1990s. It remains a foundational pitching concept in softball strategy today. For both youth and elite pitchers, understanding and applying WTP is considered vital to success.
Why is WTP effective for pitchers?
There are several key reasons why embracing the WTP mindset consistently produces better pitching performance and results:
It maximizes focus and intensity
Every pitch matters in a WTP approach. This forces pitchers to lock in mentally and physically on every delivery. Pitching with heightened focus directly translates to better command, movement, and execution. Pitching with intensity also helps dominate hitters.
It minimizes distractions
Pitchers can easily get distracted thinking about game situations, mechanics flaws, past mistakes, or future innings. WTP eliminates these distractions by bringing 100% concentration to the immediate pitch. This sharpens a pitcher’s presence and effectiveness.
It boosts confidence and aggressiveness
Attacking every pitch to win gives pitchers a strong, confident mentality. Instead of pitching tentatively, WTP promotes boldness and decisiveness. Pitchers go after hitters rather than nibbling passively. This confidence and aggressiveness puts hitters on their heels.
It simplifies pitching
Instead of worrying about big-picture strategies or mechanics, WTP makes each pitch very simple: beat this hitter right now. Simplifying pitching into bite-sized battles makes excellence more achievable pitch by pitch.
It keeps pitchers in the moment
Dwelling on past mistakes or thinking ahead often hurts pitchers. WTP forces focus on the here and now. Pitchers stay immersed in the immediate present rather than letting minds wander. This keeps them dialed in pitch to pitch.
It breeds mental toughness
Pitching under pressure requires resilience. By refusing to give in on any pitch and grinding through challenges, WTP develops grit and tenacity. Pitchers learn to be mentally strong through pitched battles. This serves them well in high-leverage game situations.
How can pitchers implement a WTP approach?
Embracing a true WTP mentality requires work, discipline, and commitment. Here are some tips for pitchers to implement it effectively:
Simplify and repeat cues
Come up with a concise cue like “Win!” or “Dominate” to repeat before every pitch to lock in. Keep it simple and repeat it religiously. This drives the mindset.
Focus between pitches
Use mental imagery, centering breaths, or routines to stay zeroed in between pitches. Don’t let attention drift. Staying prepared, composed, and focused between pitches will translate into better execution.
Celebrate small wins
Mentally congratulate yourself after winning battles with hitters. Fist pump, shout, or do whatever ritual fires you up after commanding a pitch. Celebrating mini-wins helps sustain intensity.
Forget mistakes immediately
Don’t let a badly executed pitch or home run linger in your mind. Flush it and move forward. The next pitch is a brand new ballgame to win. Staying in the moment is essential.
Focus on positive self-talk
Counter any creeping doubts or negative self-talk aggressively. Keep internal messages strong, confident, and affirmative like “Attack!” or “You got this!” to access your best.
Do scouting and set plans
Study hitter tendencies and formulate thoughtful pitch sequencing and location plans. Smart, purposeful pitching maximizes WTP success. Don’t just blindly challenge hitters.
Simulate high-stakes environments
Practice pitching with WTP intensity in pressure situations in practice. Treat intrasquad scrimmages like championship games to grow your ability to win pitches when it matters most.
WTP in Action: Pitching Examples and Scenarios
The difference between regular pitching and WTP pitching shows up clearly in game situations. Here are examples of how WTP translates to superior execution and results:
Attacking a power hitter
Pitching by typical wisdom, a pitcher may try to nibble corners against a dangerous home run hitter to limit damage. But with a WTP approach, the pitcher challenges the slugger inside aggressively, brushing them off the plate rather than avoiding contact. The hitter ends up flustered and off-balance, swinging through a high fastball to strike out.
Battling with runners on base
Many pitchers get rattled with runners on base, focusing on not walking batters or surrendering hits. This leads to tentative pitching and mistakes. A WTP mentality stays ruthlessly locked in on making the best pitch. With a runner on 3rd, the pitcher attacks the low outside corner with their out pitch, getting a meek groundout rather than playing it safe.
Rebounding from a home run
After a batter crushes a home run pitch, pitchers often lose confidence and focus. But a pitcher embracing WTP brushes it off and gets right back on the attack. Rather than easing up, they unleash strike after strike with renewed intensity, striking out the next three batters to shut down the inning.
Finishing a game
Up 5-2 in the 7th, a pitcher feels temptation to guide pitches rather than challenge hitters. But pitching to win every pitch, she stays on the gas pedal. She blows a high fastball by the nine hitter for a punchout finish. WTP produces winning results.
| Scenario | Typical Pitching Approach | WTP Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Two runners on, 1 out | Careful pitching to avoid damage | Aggressively attack the zone |
| Tired late in a game | Try to conserve energy | Give max effort and focus each pitch |
| Big lead | Coast to victory | Bear down and win every pitch |
| After an error | Loss of focus | Lock right back in instantly |
WTP Mindset Drills and Training
Dedicated training is needed to ingrain WTP as an instinctual pitching approach. Here are some great drills and activities for developing WTP mentality:
Breathing exercises
Practice deep centered breathing between pitches. This oxygenates the body and focuses the mind. Make it a pre-pitch routine to take 3 deep breaths.
Simulated high intensity situations
Do intrasquad scrimmages but reward pitchers for demonstrating WTP body language. Award points for animated reactions to winning pitch battles to incentivize intensity.
Microgoals and tracking
Set clear micro-metrics like first-pitch strikes and swings-and-misses per outing. Track results pitch-by-pitch to reinforce win-each-pitch mentality.
Pitching sprints
Do intervals of rapid fire maximal-effort pitches. Sprint in between intervals. This combines physical intensity with pitching.
Mindset cues
Post vivid WTP cues around home and practice facilities. Paint them on walls, hang signs, or print T-shirts. Surround yourself with reminders.
Mental pitch simulations
Visualize pitching sequences in your mind, imagining dominating hitters. See and feel yourself executing with WTP intensity and focus for mental training.
Beat your catcher competitions
Do friendly battles with your catcher over calling pitches, hitting targets, or getting swings-and-misses to bring out your competitive spirit.
Common WTP Pitfalls to Avoid
Pitchers must be vigilant to avoid these common traps that can undermine a Win The Pitch mentality:
Mechanical obsession
Don’t get distracted tinkering with mechanics mid-outing. Staying immersed in winning each pitch takes precedence mechanically.
Overstrategizing
While having a plan is good, overthinking or micromanaging each situation can backfire. Outthink hitters, but don’t psych yourself out.
Playing it safe
Don’t ease up or start guiding pitches once you have a lead. Stay on the attack every single pitch without exception.
Dwelling on mistakes
Don’t replay mistakes over and over after they happen. Quickly flush pitches that didn’t work and move on.
Trying too hard for strikeouts
Strikeouts are great but can’t be forced. Don’t sacrifice command or smart pitching just to whiff batters. Stay with your plan.
Forcing emotion
Don’t try to artificially conjure intensity if you aren’t feeling it. Emotion should be genuine and flow from your focus.
Conclusion
Win The Pitch encapsulates an aggressive, focused, competitive mindset that brings out the best in softball pitchers. By obsessing over one-pitch battles rather than worrying about external factors, WTP lowers ERA, raises strikeouts, and instills mental toughness. While not easy to implement, the advice and training tactics in this article will help pitchers hone WTP to reach pitching excellence. Remember, every single pitch is a new chance to dominate your opponent and win the battle.