🎯 Command vs. Control: What Pitchers (and Parents) Need to Know

5/21/20251 min read

Ask most pitchers if they have good “command,” and you’ll get a confident yes.
Ask them to explain what that means? That’s where things get fuzzy.

In pitching development, command and control are not the same thing.
And knowing the difference could be the key to unlocking your next jump on the mound.

⚾ So… What Is Control?

Control is the ability to throw strikes.
It’s about getting the ball over the plate — not necessarily hitting a specific spot.

The stat we use to track this is BB/9 (walks per 9 innings).

Low BB/9 = good control.
High BB/9 = lack of control — you’re giving away free bases.

Control = "Can you get it in the zone and avoid free passes?"
It's the baseline. It’s NOT about precision.
It’s about making sure you can throw the ball in the strike zone.

🎯 Then What Is Command?

Command is the ability to throw the ball where you are intending / where your catcher sets up.

Command is:

Elevating a fastball when you’re trying to get a swing-and-miss.
Dotting a slider just off the outside edge with 2 strikes.
Throwing a changeup below the zone and not leaving it up.
Hitting a catcher’s glove with intent — not just “hoping” for a strike.

Control says “I didn’t walk him.”
Command says “I throw to the side of the plate I intend.”

💡 The Best Way to Understand It

Think of it like this:

Skill

What it Means

How it Looks

Control

Can throw strikes

BB/9, 1st pitch strike %

Command

Can throw good strikes on purpose

Execution in leverage counts, location when it matters

A pitcher can have control (throw strikes), but without command, they're still throwing “middle-middle” and getting hit.
A pitcher with command might not be perfect, but they miss in the right places.

📈 Why This Matters for Development

Control gets you in the zone.
Command keeps you in the game.

If you’re only tracking BB/9, you might miss the bigger picture. We’ve seen pitchers lower their walks but still struggle with hard contact, big innings, and missed execution. That’s where command training comes in.

At URATBB, we train command through:

Targeted sequencing reps
Biomechanical efficiency work
Effective velocity strategy
Pattern disruption drills that mirror game situations

🧠 Final Thought:

A pitcher with control might avoid the walk.
But a pitcher with command wins the at-bat.

Want to develop both? Let’s build your plan.

📩 jordan@utahrotationalathletetraining.com