Pitching Relaxed in Tough Game Situations

No question relaxation is key for pitchers. The feeling of stress breaks focus, confidence, and gives good hitters a huge advantage. The problem is when pitchers allow themselves to get out of the NOW and let their mind wander into the future or past. For example:

A. Worrying about a bases loaded situation and what may occur is FUTURE thinking

B. Recalling and being concerned about a particular hitter who has been hitting you hard all day is PAST thinking

C. Allowing your stress level to climb in a 3-2 count is FUTURE thinking because you are concerned about a potential walk.

To solve stress, fear, and worry, the need to find focus points to clear your mind is important. Find a piece of dangling leather to stare at for a moment, or something on the baseball, or a spot on the palm of the glove. This will allow you to have 100% concentration on the object you’re looking at and will clear your mind of future and past thinking. It can’t be a glance because your mind can see something by not really see it. EXAMPLE: Looking for something in your closet.

Check out Bonus #4 Tom Hanson's Mental Toughness!