Understanding Clayton Kershaw’s dominance on the mound requires more than just admiring his raw talent; it demands a deep analysis of his pitch sequencing strategy. For years, this MLB legend has baffled hitters not just with overpowering stuff, but with an intellectual approach to pitching that stands as a masterclass in modern baseball. This article, ‘Decoding Clayton Kershaw’s Pitch Sequencing,’ will break down the intricate strategy he employs, exploring how he sets up batters, exploits weaknesses, and leverages his iconic arsenal to remain one of the game’s elite. By the end, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the genius behind his method.
The Three Pillars of Kershaw’s Arsenal
To grasp Clayton Kershaw’s strategy, one must first appreciate the tools at his disposal. While many pitchers have a wide array of pitches, Kershaw has built a Hall of Fame career primarily on three elite offerings. It’s the interplay between these three pitches that forms the foundation of his legendary pitch sequencing. He proves that it isn’t always about having the most pitches, but about mastering the ones you have.
The Four-Seam Fastball
While his velocity isn’t what it once was, Kershaw’s fastball is still a critical component of his success. He commands it with impeccable precision, moving it to all quadrants of the strike zone. Its primary role in his sequencing is to establish the strike zone, challenge hitters early in the count, and set up the devastating breaking balls. Its perceived velocity is often higher due to the threat of his other pitches.
The Vicious Slider
Perhaps his most reliable weapon, Kershaw’s slider is a nightmare for both left- and right-handed hitters. Thrown from the same arm slot and tunnel as his fastball, it breaks late and sharp. This pitch is his go-to for strikeouts and inducing weak contact. A key part of his analysis and strategy is deciding when to use it as a ‘put-away’ pitch versus a ‘get-ahead’ pitch early in the count.
Public Enemy Number One: The 12-6 Curveball
Kershaw’s curveball is legendary. With its distinctive top-to-bottom break, it completely alters a hitter’s eye level and timing. He famously uses it to steal strikes early in the count, often making professional MLB hitters look completely fooled. This pitch is less of a strikeout weapon and more of a strategic tool to disrupt a batter’s entire approach at the plate, making his other pitches far more effective.
The Art of the Sequence: A Strategic Analysis
Pitch sequencing is the art of throwing a combination of pitches in a specific order to disrupt a hitter’s timing, balance, and expectations. Kershaw is a grandmaster of this art. His strategy is built on several key principles that he adapts based on the batter, the game situation, and his own feel for his pitches on any given day.
- Tunneling: Making multiple pitches look identical out of the hand for as long as possible before they break in different directions.
- Changing Eye Levels: Using the high-arcing curveball to make the flat fastball and sharp slider harder to track.
- Attacking Weaknesses: A deep understanding of hitter tendencies allows him to choose the right pitch at the right time.
- Setting Up the Strikeout: Often, the first two pitches in a sequence are designed solely to set up the third and final pitch for the out.
| Pitch Sequence Scenario |
Typical Approach |
| vs. Right-Handed Hitter (First At-Bat) |
Fastball away, Slider down-and-in, Fastball up-and-in |
| vs. Left-Handed Hitter (First At-Bat) |
Curveball for strike one, Fastball in, Slider away |
| With Two Strikes |
Slider away or Fastball high are his most common out pitches. |
| Behind in the Count (e.g., 2-0) |
Often relies on a fastball to get back into the strike zone. |
| Runner on Third, Less Than 2 Outs |
Focuses on low pitches (slider, low fastball) to induce a ground ball. |
A Deeper Dive: How Sequencing Creates Deception
The core of Kershaw’s success lies in deception. Let’s analyze a common scenario. He starts a right-handed batter with a fastball on the outer half of the plate for strike one. The batter now has the fastball’s speed and location in his mind. For the second pitch, Kershaw throws his slider. It comes out of the exact same release point—the same ‘tunnel’—as the fastball. The batter recognizes the speed and location and commits to swinging, but the pitch breaks sharply down and out of the zone, resulting in a swing and miss. Now the count is 0-2. The hitter is vulnerable. What does Kershaw do? He could come back with another slider, or a high fastball to change the eye level. Or, he could drop in his looping 12-6 curveball, completely buckling the hitter’s knees for a called strike three. This thoughtful, deliberate strategy is what separates good pitchers from baseball icons.
This level of analysis happens on every single pitch. Modern MLB teams use immense amounts of data to help pitchers refine this strategy, but Kershaw’s innate feel for pitching allows him to execute it better than almost anyone else. His ability to evolve this strategy throughout his career, adapting to changes in his own velocity and the league’s hitting approach, is a testament to his greatness.
According to reports, Former Braves player joins A’s
Conclusion – Decoding Clayton Kershaw’s Pitch Sequencing
Clayton Kershaw’s pitch sequencing is a masterclass in strategy, deception, and execution. It’s an intricate dance between three elite pitches, each one setting up the others to be more effective. By mastering the art of tunneling, changing eye levels, and exploiting hitter weaknesses, he has crafted a timeless approach to dominating from the mound. This analysis reveals that his success is not accidental; it is a carefully constructed strategy, refined over a career that will undoubtedly end in Cooperstown. The beauty of his game lies not just in the power of his arm, but in the brilliance of his baseball mind.
RELATED: Decoding Kershaw’s Pitch Sequencing Strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clayton Kershaw’s best pitch?
While his 12-6 curveball is arguably his most famous pitch, most analysis points to his sharp, late-breaking slider as his most effective and consistent weapon, especially for getting strikeouts.
How has Kershaw’s pitch sequencing strategy evolved?
As his fastball velocity has naturally decreased with age, his strategy has evolved. He relies more heavily on precision, command, and the effectiveness of his breaking pitches, using the fastball more strategically to set them up rather than to overpower hitters.
What is pitch tunneling in baseball?
Pitch tunneling is the practice of making multiple types of pitches look identical from the release point. This deceives the batter, who must decide to swing before the pitch reveals its true type and location, making it much harder to hit.
Why is Kershaw so effective against both left and right-handed hitters?
His effectiveness stems from his slider. Unlike many pitchers whose sliders are primarily effective against same-sided hitters, Kershaw’s slider is devastating to both. He can throw it to the back foot of a righty and sweep it away from a lefty with equal dominance.
