Proper Mental Approach To Pitching

 Yogi Berra once said "Baseball is 90 percent mental. The other half is physical." Your mindset can be the difference between being an All-Star and never seeing the field again. As a pitcher, you can't be thinking too far ahead. Justin Behmer wrote a book titled "One Pitch Warrior", which is all about focusing entirely on the exact moment when you are on the mound. 

Instead of worrying about the previous pitch, or trying to calculate the proper pitch sequence for the next batter, he argues that your entire mind should be on the pitch you are about to execute. Overthinking can lead to poor execution and a lack in focus on what the current pitch needs to be. Instead, he argues to be as precise as possible with this next pitch. Whether it's a mental cue for your mechanics, the desired location, or just reassurance for your confidence, all your energy should be towards the plate, one pitch at a time. 

Behmer also writes a lot about how confidence can affect pitchers. Pitchers should never be afraid of a batter. To help boost confidence, I will talk to myself on the mound. Mechanical cues or mental notes both help calm me down and bring me back to a positive mindset. 

You should always approach every day with confidence and a positive energy. It can improve a training session, a throwing session, weightlifting, a bullpen, or game reps. Why do you think fans try to chirp opposing players? They want to destroy their confidence headed into games. If you are foggy or not focused, your play on the field will severely diminish. 

Everyone thinks that the best physical athletes are the best professionals are only halfway correct. The best physical athletes also have the best mental strength. Basebal is a game of failure. The best athletes learn how to overcome constant failure and still strive for greatness, day in and day out. Three out of ten attempts gets you into the Cooperstown, after all. And as always, PRACTICE LIKE YOU PLAY!

-Sam Corbett

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