Common Psychological Barriers

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Understanding the Pitcher’s Mindset

(An excerpt from our best-selling “NEW Fast-Track Strategies for Overcoming Pitching Challenges.”)

Common Psychological Barriers

Common psychological barriers significantly impact a pitcher’s performance on the mound. These barriers often stem from the pressure to perform, fear of failure, and the inherent nature of the sport. Understanding these psychological hurdles is crucial for pitchers looking to enhance their game. By recognizing and addressing these barriers, pitchers can develop strategies to overcome them and improve their performance.

One of the most prevalent psychological barriers is the fear of failure. Many pitchers experience anxiety about making mistakes, leading to a lack of confidence. This fear may manifest in various ways, such as overthinking pitches or hesitating to throw specific pitches. The pressure to meet expectations from coaches, teammates, and fans can exacerbate this fear, leading to a self-fulfilling prophecy where the anticipation of failure contributes to poor performance. Overcoming this barrier requires a shift in mindset, where pitchers focus on the process rather than the outcome and embrace mistakes as learning opportunities.

Another common barrier is the tendency to dwell on past failures. This ruminating thought process can hinder a pitcher’s ability to perform in the present moment. When pitchers replay past mistakes in their minds, they may become overly cautious or hesitant, affecting their decision-making on the mound. To combat this, pitchers need to develop mental resilience. Techniques such as visualization, mindfulness, and positive self-talk can help pitchers focus on the current game, rather than getting trapped in a cycle of negative thoughts about previous performances.

Expecting to throw strikes and deliver strong performances every outing can lead to stress and anxiety. This pressure can result in pitchers tightening up, which affects their mechanics and, ultimately, their performance. To manage this pressure, pitchers should learn to set realistic and attainable goals. By focusing on incremental improvements rather than perfection, pitchers can alleviate some of their psychological weight and create a more conducive environment for success.

The fear of being judged or evaluated can lead to performance anxiety, causing pitchers to underperform in critical situations. To mitigate this, pitchers should practice under pressure in training situations that simulate game-like conditions. By familiarizing themselves with high-pressure scenarios, they can build confidence and develop coping strategies to manage anxiety during games. Recognizing that external factors are beyond their control helps pitchers regain focus on their performance and preparation.

In conclusion, understanding and addressing common psychological barriers is essential for struggling pitchers aiming to improve their game. Pitchers cultivate a more positive mental approach by confronting fears, letting go of past mistakes, managing pressure, and preparing for external evaluations. This transformation fosters better performance on the mound and contributes to a healthier mindset, allowing pitchers to enjoy the game they love while striving for excellence.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Understanding the Pitcher’s Mindset

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

(An excerpt from our best-selling “Fast-Track Strategies for Overcoming Pitching Challenges.”)

The Importance of Mental Resilience

One of the primary components of mental resilience is the capacity to manage pressure. Pitchers frequently find themselves in high-stakes situations where every pitch counts. The pressure to perform can be overwhelming, leading to self-doubt and anxiety. By developing mental resilience, pitchers can learn to view pressure as a challenge rather than a threat. This shift in perspective enables them to approach difficult situations confidently, subsequently improving their ability to execute pitches under stress.

Mental resilience is a crucial asset for pitchers who face unique challenges both on and off the field. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, such as a poor outing or a devastating loss, directly influences a pitcher’s performance and overall development. Unlike other positions in baseball, pitchers often experience intense scrutiny; their success is tied closely to individual performance metrics, which can amplify stress and anxiety. Cultivating mental resilience allows pitchers to maintain focus, adapt to adversity, and enhance their game.

Additionally, mental resilience fosters a growth mindset, which is vital for continuous improvement. Struggling pitchers often face repeated failures, whether a string of poor performances or an inability to master a specific pitch. A resilient mindset encourages pitchers to view these setbacks as learning opportunities rather than definitive judgments of their abilities. This perspective helps them focus on the improvement process and seek constructive feedback from coaches and teammates, ultimately leading to a more effective development trajectory.

Moreover, mental resilience is linked to emotional regulation, which is essential for maintaining composure during games. Emotions can fluctuate rapidly in baseball’s competitive atmosphere. A single error can lead to frustration, while a successful strikeout can produce euphoria. Resilient pitchers learn techniques to manage their emotional responses, allowing them to remain level-headed regardless of the game’s circumstances. This emotional stability enhances decision-making and performance consistency, essential traits for any successful pitcher.

Finally, building mental resilience creates a support network among teammates and coaches. Struggling pitchers often feel isolated in their challenges, but resilience encourages open communication and collaboration. By sharing experiences and strategies for overcoming adversity, pitchers can foster camaraderie and mutual support within the team. This collective resilience improves individual performance and strengthens team dynamics, ultimately contributing to a more cohesive and successful unit on the field.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Mastering Balance and Pitching Mechanics

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Explore the importance of maintaining a balanced stance with your heels close together for effective pitching and the role of the glove hand in guiding the ball towards the target.

A balanced stance is fundamental for effective pitching.

Keeping your heels close together to maintain a stable base and ensure your weight is evenly distributed between both feet keeps your body balanced.

By keeping your body evenly distributed, you use your glove hand to trigger your lower body involvement and send the pitch directly to your target.

Benefits of Balanced Stance

Balanced mechanics enable efficient power and enhance pitch accuracy by transferring energy from your lower body through your core to your throwing arm.

A balanced stance minimizes stress on your joints and muscles and reduces the risk of injury.

These key elements significantly improve your pitching mechanics, achieve consistent accuracy, and produce power.

Ultimately, a balanced stance allows for more precise targeting and improved accuracy.

Getting Your Best Results

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you to always keep your feet close together, or your instruction is free—no questions, no hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Mastering the Balanced Pitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Achieving consistent accuracy in pitching requires a well-balanced and coordinated motion.

The importance of maintaining a balanced stance with your weight over your back foot throughout the pitching motion produces an accurate delivery.

Starting Position

To maintain your weight primarily over your back foot, ensure your back foot is slightly to the second base side of your back foot, your front foot is close to your back foot, and your front foot points toward the target.

Preparation Phase

Keep your front knee slightly in front of your front hip and separate your hands to create tension in your core.

Delivery Phase

As your glove hand moves forward, it naturally shifts your weight towards the target.

The natural transfer of weight and momentum propels your throwing arm towards the target.

Key Takeaways

Maintaining your weight over your back foot is essential for stability and control.

The glove hand plays a crucial role in initiating the throwing motion and transferring power.

A well-balanced and coordinated motion leads to consistent accuracy.

Getting Your Best Results

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the balance to prompt a throw right to your target, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions – Balance

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Finding your target with uncanny regularity comes from being “in balance” or starting your motion with your Front Knee in front of your Front Hip.

Your Body is Always Getting “In Balance”

The instant you’re “out of balance” becomes the instant your Body makes adjustments.

What should happen.

Your Glove Arm triggers your Lower Body.
Your Throwing Action is part of your entire motion.
Your Glove Arm needs to move before your Front Foot.
Your Heels being close creates an “in balance” motion.
Your “in balance” motion has your Glove Arm promoting your Throwing Action.
Your Lower Body rotates.
Your Hands need to separate before your Stride.
Your Back Knee begins toward Second Base.
Your Shoulders need to be aligned with your Hips.
Your Stride needs to happen before your Hands move.
You need your Front Foot to move after your Hands.
Your Throwing Hand needs to stay in front of your Body.
Your Body is vertical going into your release.
Your Glove Arm initiates your Throwing Action.

Starting “in balance” means you send your ball to your target with uncanny regularity, and your motion never changes!

Getting Better Results

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the balance to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions –Lower Body Engagement

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

Lower Body Engagement Is Crucial For Effective And Accurate Throwing

A solid Lower Body engagement generates more power and allows the throwing hand to deliver the ball with greater velocity and accuracy.

The balanced position with the front knee in front of the front hip provides a more stable base for the throwing motion which improves control and accuracy.

The coordinated movement of the lower and upper bodies allows for better timing and efficiency in the throwing motion.

By setting up the Lower Body correctly and activating it through the glove hand, the pitcher generates more power, stability, and control, leading to improved accuracy and consistency.

No Lower Body Engagement

Your Front Knee is behind your Front Hip placing your balance over your Back Foot.

Your Throwing Hand fires the ball, and you get a larger-than-expected target area.

Lower Body Engagement

Your Front Knee is in front of your Front Hip placing your balance in front of your Back Foot.

Your Glove Hand Palm activates your Lower Body, and your Lower Body propels your throwing hand to the target with uncanny regularity.

Getting Better Results

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the Lower Body movement to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions – Proper Foot Strikes

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Not “Foot Strike, Then Throw” …

In your Starting Position, your Front Hip finishes behind back leg, your Body fights gravity, and you lose control of the ball.

Your weight shifts forward causing your throwing action.

You hit your foot strike, and your weight initiating your throwing action sends the ball to a larger target area.

… But “Foot Strike, And Throw”

In your Starting Position, your weight balances just in front of your Back Foot.

You Glove Hand initiates your Stride, and your Lower Body initiates your Throwing Arm

Your Glove Hand Palm goes up, your Throwing Arm follows, and you hit your target with uncanny regularity.

The “Foot Strike, And Throw” Method

The Glove Hand acts as a guide and provides more control over the throwing motion.

A simultaneous foot strike and throwing action allow for better timing and coordination.

The more efficient transfer of momentum from the lower body to the upper body allows you to hit your target with uncanny regularity.

Getting Better Results

While both methods involve a foot strike and throwing action, due to factors like control, timing, and momentum “Foot Strike, And Throw,” appears to be more effective in terms of accuracy.

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the starting position to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions – Shoulder Alignment

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

The Importance of Proper Shoulder Alignment.

Aligned shoulders provide a direct path to the target, enhancing accuracy and command.

Proper shoulder rotation allows for the energy from your hips to go through your core and your throwing arm.

The increased torque from your body contributes to optimal velocity.

Misaligned shoulders lead to overuse injuries such as shoulder impingement, rotator cuff tears, and a motion being injury prone.

Shoulder Alignment

Shoulder position directly influences target accuracy and overall efficiency and is interconnected with lower body mechanics.

Correct shoulder alignment is essential for consistency, power, and injury prevention.

Improper glove hand positioning misaligns shoulders and disrupts the kinetic chain.

Shoulder Alignment and Its Impact on Pitching

To improve shoulder alignment, pitchers strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint improve stability and control.

A strong core is essential for maintaining proper posture and preventing compensatory movements.

Exercises that increase range of motion help pitchers achieve optimal shoulder position.

Common Shoulder Alignment Issues

– Excessive shoulder tilt restricts shoulder rotation and leads to compensatory movements.

– Shoulder opening too early disrupts timing and reduces power.

– Shoulders lagging the hips hinder torque generation and cause arm stress.

Getting Better Balance

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the shoulder alignment to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions – Understanding the Concepts of Core Engagement

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

The lower body driving through the core and into the throwing hand optimizes pitching performance.

Balance is Critical

The position of the feet significantly influences the front knee’s position, overall balance, power, and accuracy.

The placement of the front knee in relation to the front hip is crucial for engaging the core.

Weight Distribution

As well as balance, proper weight distribution is essential core engagement.

As the pitcher strides, weight shifts progressively to through the core, creating a counterforce for upper body rotation, and is vital for generating torque and velocity.

Core Engagement

Legitimate core rotation occurs when the front knee stays in front of the front hip and the lower body moves through the core to the throwing arm.

A strong core acts as the body’s stabilizer, preventing excessive rotation, maintaining postural control, and generating power and accuracy.

This legitimate rotation efficiently transfers energy from the lower body to the upper body, maximizing force production, and promoting better balance and power.

Getting Better Balance

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the core activity to prompt a throw with uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice

Organized Motions – The Body’s Inherent Drive Towards Balance.

Pro Pitching Institute is one of the top 100 baseball blogs on the Internet.

“Legitimate Internal Rotation” and “False Internal Rotation” emphasize the importance of body coordination and efficiency in the pitching motion.

Legitimate Internal Rotation

In an Organized Motion, “Legitimate Internal Rotation” is a coordinated and efficient use of the body’s natural balance mechanisms.

By initiating the movement with the glove hand, you set up a kinetic chain that naturally leads to hip rotation and arm acceleration.

Glove hand movement establishes an organized, balanced, and coordinated delivery.

False Internal Rotation

In an Unorganized Motion, “False Internal Rotation” is a compensatory mechanism where the body tries to maintain balance in response to an incorrect movement initiation.

When the throwing arm often takes precedence over the lower body, an unorganized motion leads to inefficiencies and increased stress on the arm.

Imagine a dancer.

When they perform a pirouette, their body is in constant balance, shifting weight and adjusting posture to maintain equilibrium.

Your motion strives for a similar level of coordination and control.

Getting Better Balance

The Pro Pitching Institute teaches you the glove hand movement to prompt a throw uncanny regularity, or your instruction is free … No questions… No hassles… and no hard feelings.

Coach Skip Fast
“Command by Choice, Not by Chance”
Pro Pitching Institute
https://propitchinginginstitute.com
856-524-3248
skip@propitchinginstitute.com
#ElitebyChoice