Staying Mentally Focused

This week we have been talking about staying mentally focused and keeping our minds active during each pitch cycle. As we practice it is important to stay present and aware of the situation at hand. We should only focus on one pitch at a time. When a pitcher can get into a consistent mental rhythm on the mound she will feel more relaxed and confident.

In our lesson we simplified our pitching routine into 3 main phases. Relaxation, before each pitch; delivery of the pitch itself, and assessment of performance between each pitch. Relaxing our muscles and our mind before we begin is incredibly important. The longer and looser our muscles are, the harder we can throw. If our minds are relaxed and confident we will be able to focus all our attention on the task at hand. As we deliver each pitch we are completely focused on that specific pitch and are attempting to throw that pitch with perfection. (As pitchers we want to be the good kind of perfectionists. Not frustrated, tight, and nervous about failure; but pitchers who are aware of themselves and pursue excellence with every pitch). Assessing what occurred during the delivery phase is extremely important. By paying attention to how our body felt, the location of the pitch, and its spin we are able to accurately asses our performance and adjust our mechanics as necessary. 

Take these skills into your practice sessions as well as your games this week! Stay mentally present in each moment.

Work Hard!

Coach Claire