Visualization and mental focus throughout the pitching routine is one of the most important aspects of being a successful pitcher regardless of age or experience. Just like practicing physical skills, mental focus must be practiced and performed each time a pitcher steps on to the mound. Practice sessions are just as important as game situations. A pitcher who gets into the habit of having a calm and intense focus on the mound will be more confident in herself and can calmly lead her team by example.
Everyone is different and that means that mental focus will not look the same for every pitcher. Some athletes are most focused when they are talking and responding to their teammates throughout the game. Some athletes prefer to stay within themselves and are more quiet while they are mentally focused. There is no right or wrong way to be focused just like there is no way to be partially focused. You are either focused or you are not. A successful pitcher has the ability to be focused no matter what the situation.
Getting into a consistent and habitual pre-game and practice routine can help a pitcher to focus and can eliminate anxiety from tense situations.
Do the SAME thing EVERY time: Make make relaxation and mental focus part of your pitching routine/ drills
VISUALIZE: See yourself pitching the perfect pitch to the perfect location before each pitch - lessons and game
FOCUS: Learn to turn off all of the distractions around you. Clear your mind. Zoom in on your target. Focus on one pitch at a time. Be aware of yourself and how you are performing. Make adjustments. Strive for excellence with each pitch.
Practice: Before Practice sessions or games take a moment to visualize your pre-game/warm-up routine. See yourself performing each drill or pitch with perfect mechanics throwing as hard as you can.
*Hint: This is not an easy thing to do. It takes many hours of practice. Don't give up! The benefits are enormous! Keep your mental focus sessions short and concentrated. You can do these almost anywhere as long as you are in a space where you can focus your entire mind on the task at hand.