MMV #010: Unlock the Secrets of a Great Pre-Pitch Routine

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 Read time: 2 minutes

Staying focused and present every single pitch is difficult. It's even more challenging when you don't have any consistency with what you do between pitches.

You have 15-20 seconds to process what just happened and how you are going to execute your next pitch.

In this article, I'll give you a pre-pitch routine to follow in 5 easy steps that will increase your focus each pitch.

These steps will help eliminate the distracting thoughts, negative self-talk, and inconsistency in your mindset.

If you are ready to dominate your process before every pitch, read on for the 5-step process.

Let's begin.

Step 1: Assess

Right after the pitch is thrown, assess how the batter responded and if it was executed where you wanted it.

This evaluation process shouldn't take long. 

If a bad pitch was thrown there might be a negative thought that comes to your mind. That's okay.

Quickly tell yourself what the adjustment is.

Step 2: Reset with breath

Flush the last pitch with an inhale through the nose, exhale out the mouth.

If you’ve fallen behind the batter, it’s been a long inning, etc. do this off the mound and take your time.

If you’re locked in and in a groove this can be done quickly as you are getting back on the rubber.

This is situation dependent.

Step 3: Self-Talk

As you are getting the sign, fill your mind with positive reinforcement.

Example:

Catcher puts down fastball inside.

“Perfect, let’s blow this guy up with my heater in”.

“Let’s go, aggressive fastball inside!”

Pump yourself up with whatever language works best for you.

Step 4: Visualize

Right before you go into your delivery, see the pitch in your mind moving and locating exactly where you want it.

Step 5: Commit

There’s no doubting the pitch at this point. You should feel confident in executing the pitch.

If there is any hesitation, step off!

Some players might want another quick positive self-talk as they start the delivery.

“Let’s go!”

Something simple and a reminder to be aggressive.

Additional notes:

• Practice this in bullpens to find what works for you
• Keep it simple enough to repeat every pitch
• Practice visualization in catch play and bullpens
• This all should happen in less than 20 seconds - keep good tempo

Pre-pitch routine recap:

1. Assess
2. Reset with breath
3. Self-talk
4. Visualize
5. Commit

There are many variations to a pre-pitch routine. Experiment in bullpens and catch play to find what works best for you.

Consistency is key.

That's all for today.

See you next week!

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