MMV #059: Master Your Pre-Pitch Routine

Read time: 3 minutes 

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The art of pitching is as much about the time between pitches as it is about the pitch itself.

That brief interlude of 12-20 seconds, is a battleground of focus, strategy, and mental fortitude.

Today, I want to unfold a five-step process for pitchers aimed at honing their mental edge and fostering consistency on the mound.

 Here's how:

1. Analyze

Immediately post-pitch, take a moment to analyze the batter's reaction and the execution of the pitch.

This quick reflection is pivotal.

Encountering a wave of frustration with a less-than-ideal pitch?

Acknowledge it, but pivot quickly to the adjustment and the next pitch.

2. Breathe

The breath is critical to a good pre-pitch routine.

Since it is always happening NOW (Alan Jaeger), the breath allows you to stay present.

Inhale through the nose, exhale out the mouth.

How much time you take to do this will be determined by the flow of the game.

As the game speeds up, be sure to slow down.

3. Self-Talk

Self-talk is always happening.

The choice is yours if it is going to positively or negatively impact the next pitch.

Every pitcher is different with what works for them, but it's important that it instills confidence and conviction in the next pitch.

Examples:

"Fastball inside. Aggressive through the glove!"

"This batter doesn't stand a chance. Challenge him right now!"

4. Visualize

If you can see the ball moving and being located exactly where you want it in your mind, the chance of you actually doing it increase dramatically.

My best games were the ones I was seeing this in my mind almost every pitch.

It builds confidence that you can do it when you can see it!

5. Commit

I don't care how good you are. If you don't fully commit to every pitch, you are going to underperform.

You won't execute locations and your stuff won't have the sharpness you are capable of.

You can throw the "wrong pitch", but if you are committed to it, your chances of getting the batter out are higher than the "right pitch" with no conviction.

Pre-Pitch Routine RECAP

1. Step 1: Analyze
2. Step 2: Breathe
3. Step 3: Self-Talk
4. Step 4: Visualize
5. Step 5: Commit
6.  
7.  
8.  

Pre-pitch routines vary from player to player.

The important part is that you develop a routine that sets you up for success on the next pitch.

Experiment in bullpens to find what works for you.

That's all for today.

See you next week!

Whenever you are ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Remote Training: a personalized throwing and lifting program built for you and your goals.

2. In-Person Training: Work with me in Scottsdale, Arizona. Personalized training program to help you reach your goals. Trackman and edgertronic for bullpen sessions.

3. Trackman and Edgertronic camera bullpen: Get objective feedback on how your pitches are moving. I'll send you video and movement report after bullpen.