There are a lot of pitchers out there who could better there stats and performance with some valuable information about what to throw and when to throw it. Catchers and Pitchers need to work with their coaches about these tips of situational pitching.

1. Keep the ball low in double-play situations.
2. Pitch high, tight fast balls in bunt situations.
3. Try to keep the ball down when the infield is in or an important run is on third.
4. Keep the ball away from the pull hitters, especially in a small park.
5. Try to prevent a left-handed hitter from pulling.the ball whenever the first baseman is holding a runner close.
6. With a runner on second and no outs, try to make the hitter ground to the left side to prevent the runner from going to third.
7. A curve ball usually breaks better on a damp day.
8. A fast ball usually is more effective on a dark or cloudy day.
9. A new ball doesn’t curve as well as one which has been in the game awhile.
10. A new ball usually makes the fast ball more lively. …..Click here to read more

Everyone wants to belong. It is one of our greatest motivators. It plays a crucial role in success. In order to achieve while competing against high-level opponents, each player on the team must believe he or she belongs at that level of skill.

Owning the right to win is about that belief. There are several keys to developing a success-mentality. One thing not needed is past success as a team. Proof of that were the early 90′s Atlanta Braves. A regular loser went from last to first and has stayed there ever since.

Their key was to bring in a few players with experience winning. In a few short months this mind-set was spread within the team. We are all successful at something. That experience can be translated into other skill areas. Build on any success and transfer the lessons learned to your sport. …..Click here to read more

In athletics it is essential that the competitor obtain and maintain a high degree of skill as well as physical and mental fitness. In baseball, particularly in the area of pitching, the pitcher must learn the correct mechanics and fundamentals if he wants to reach the height of his own ability. The easy way or natural way way, is not necessarily correct. Developing pitching success and maintaining it is not a hit-or-miss proposition. It requires knowledge and correct use of fundamentals.

We will incorporate the six C’s: 1. Condition;  2. Control;  3. concentration; 4. Courage;  5. Confidence; 6. Commitment. …..Click here to read more

KEY MENTAL CONCEPTS

• Take responsibility for your thoughts and actions.
• Commit to a mission: know why you play baseball, what character traits you want to possess and what you want to accomplish in the game.
• Make your daily actions consistent with your mission.
• Play one pitch at a time, confident and focused on each pitch as it is played with disregard for past or future pitches.
• Focus on the process of playing the game rather than the outcomes of your performances.
• Realize that you can’t control what happens around you, but you can control your response to it, and that you must be in control of yourself before you can control your performance.
• Develop your mental skills so you consistently perform near the best of your ability and have “something to go to” when faced with adversity.
• Practice what you are going to do in a game.
• Learn each day.
• Keep it simple. …..Click here to read more

GOALS

The mental game involves having a goal or mission which you commit to achieving. You must trust yourself and let go of conscious effort Emphasis is on the process of achieving your goal rather than the actual result or outcome. Make your goals specific and measurable-they should be difficult but realistic. finally, adjust your goals when necessary. Your goals should . focus on the present moment (e.g., this pitch, today’s practice).

BREATHING

A slow steady breath puts your focus on the present moment. It enables you to  ”check in” with yourself to see if you are in control. If you are not in control it helps you get in control. It helps you release negatives and energizes you when you are feeling sluggish. Deep abdominal breathing helps you shift from conscious thinking to unconscious trusting, and helps establish a . routine and sense of rhythm in your pitching. …..Click here to read more