What is the Strike Zone?
The strike zone is an imaginary three-dimensional box over home plate. A pitch that passes through any part of this zone is a strike. A pitch outside this zone that the batter doesn't swing at is a ball.
Strike Zone Boundaries
Key Rules
Width
The zone extends over the entire width of home plate (17 inches). A pitch that catches any part of the plate is a strike.
Height
The zone extends from the batter's knees to the midpoint between the shoulders and the top of the pants (roughly armpit level). This varies by batter height and stance.
Depth
The zone extends through the entire depth of home plate. A pitch can curve into the zone and still be a strike.
The Count
The count tracks balls and strikes: 3 balls = walk (batter goes to first), 3 strikes = strikeout (batter is out). Foul balls count as strikes until you have 2 strikes.
Tips for Batters
- Know your zone — Your strike zone is based on YOUR stance, not a fixed box
- Protect with 2 strikes — Expand your zone slightly to avoid called strike three
- Watch the pitcher's release — Track the ball from the hand, not just at the plate
- Trust your eyes — If it looks like a ball, don't swing (unless protecting)