MMV #069: Visualize Yourself Failing. Wait, What?

TMVP #007: How to Improve Your Command

In this episode, Josh and I cover:

• Defining command 

• Average walk rates at every level 

• Command development process 

• Command training ideas 

• Mental game strategies

You can listen on: 

Spotify

Apple 

YouTube

Summer Training Program

I am running a 10-week summer training program for high school and college pitchers.

This will take place in Scottsdale, AZ from May 27th - August 3rd.

Get early bird pricing of $1,200 up until May 1st ($1,500 after that).

Click here to learn more.

If you would like to watch the video version of this newsletter, click here.

Visualization is a great way to get reps without stressing the arm or body.

The more you can engage all of your senses, the better.

Making it feel as real as possible is key to having it carry over into your performance.

Like anything, it takes time and repetition to get good at it.

You want to be visualizing success, but in my opinion you also want to visualize FAILURE.

Wait, what?

Let me explain.

The reality is, you aren't going to be perfect on the mound.

Too many players only prepare themselves for success and not for when they fail.

While you definitely want to be visualizing success, it is also important to visualize failure.

But don't stop there.

Visualize yourself OVERCOMING failure.

That is the key.

Maybe you fall behind 3-0.

Maybe you give up a double in the gap.

What is your response to those things?

That is what I want you to visualize.

Here is an example of how you can do this:

Day before a game I want you to stand on the game mound if possible.

Now, simulate the first couple innings of the game.

Visualize everything.

The batter, umpire, fans, fielders, etc.

What is the crowd saying?

What about the dugout?

Engage every sense.

Let your imagination run wild.

Without being too aggressive with your delivery, make dry throws for each pitch.

Visualize the ball traveling to home plate.

What does the batter do?

What call does the umpire make?

Visualize success and failure.

But see yourself overcoming every failure.

This is one example of how you can do this.

Believe me, I want you to visualize as much success as possible, but I also want you prepare mentally for every other situation a game might present.

There are times where you only want to visualize success (pre-pitch routine for example) and there are times you want to visualize failure.

And truthfully, failure is a strong word.

It's more of not seeing things always going perfectly.

Make it realistic.

The more resilient you can make yourself, the better.

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.