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Pitching Terms for Beginners: Mound, Rubber, Strike, Count
New to baseball? The simple words every young pitcher and parent hears on day one, explained in plain language.
- Beginner series
- Ages 8–16
- Free
Short answer: The mound is the raised dirt where the pitcher stands, the rubber is the white strip you push from, a strike is a pitch in the zone (or swung at and missed), and the count is balls and strikes on the batter. "Get ahead" means throwing an early strike so the count is on your side.
This is part 3 of our Beginner Pitching Series. Knowing the words makes lessons, games, and coaching cues much easier to follow.
The mound
The raised circle of dirt in the middle of the infield. The pitcher stands on top of it to throw to the catcher.
The rubber
The white rectangle on top of the mound. A pitcher keeps a foot on it when starting each pitch.
Strike
A pitch that crosses the strike zone, or one the batter swings at and misses. A foul ball also counts as a strike, except it can't be the third strike.
Ball
A pitch outside the strike zone that the batter doesn't swing at. Four balls and the batter walks to first base.
The count
Balls and strikes on the batter, always said balls first. "2-1" means two balls, one strike.
"Get ahead"
Throwing an early strike, especially the first pitch, so the count is in the pitcher's favor (like 0-1 or 1-2). Getting ahead is one of the easiest ways for a young pitcher to have success. See think like a pitcher.
A few more words you'll hear
- Catcher's glove / target: where the pitcher aims. See aim small, miss small.
- Bullpen: practice pitching to a catcher, before a game or in a lesson.
- Fastball: the first pitch every pitcher learns.
- Changeup: a slower pitch that looks like a fastball. See our changeup guide.
- Command: being able to throw the ball where you want it.
FAQ
What does "count" mean in baseball?
It's the number of balls and strikes on the batter, said balls first. "3-2" is three balls and two strikes.
What does "get ahead" mean for a pitcher?
Throwing an early strike so the count favors the pitcher, like 0-1.
What is the pitching rubber?
The white strip on top of the mound that the pitcher starts each pitch from.
Is a foul ball a strike?
Yes, unless the batter already has two strikes.
Questions about getting started?
Send your child's age and experience on the contact page. We work with beginners in Naples and around Collier County.