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Get in the zone!
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.
The entire body must be in excellent physical condition to make pitching success possible and to prevent injury. To treat one’s talent carelessly, like failing to get in shape or to maintain good physical condition, is indicative of a weakness in character.
A selective, well-planned strength program is a must if pitchers are going to be strong and attain maximum endurance.
To gain maximum control, the pitcher must reduce the margin of error; eliminate the excess gyrations, stay compact and retain balance. Although control is based on rhythm, the pitcher should seek for perfection, not grace. Proper mechanics will equate to good control.
Goals
A. Get the ball over the plate – the defense will play better.
B. If you can not strike out the hitter, at least refuse to walk him.
C. There is no defense for a base on balls.
D. Do not go 3-2 on the hitter. Maintain the advantage.
E. Attempt to throw every pitch for a strike. Stay ahead of the hitter.
F. Location. Location. Location.
G. Do not lose sight of the target.
H. Maintain a consistent rhythm.
I. One release point.
J. The number of pitches thrown per inning is an excellent index for the possibility of success.
To be successful, the pitcher must concentrate on the goal or task. The pitcher will have a vivid picture in his mind of where he is going to throw the ball. Focus on the primary task, the hitter and/or the base runner. Learning to concentrate also means memory development. The area of focus of the eye is limited to a very small spot, therefore, the mind and eyes cannot wander from their determination to throw the ball to a definite spot. This determined type of concentration is referred to as “centering.” It is necessary to “center” one’ s complete attention on the task at hand if success is to be accomplished.
Goals
A. The pitcher must think of five points on every pitch:
B. Pitch selection is dependent upon:
Regardless of the strengths and weaknesses of the hitter, although there will be exceptions to the rule.
The pitcher has to have courage and not be afraid to throw the ball into the strike zone. The courageous pitcher will have the confidence in his pitches and control to retire any hitter. A pitcher’s state of mind is of paramount importance to his overall performance, particularly his control. Courage, confidence and poise, when blended with a strong competitive spirit, can be a huge asset to any pitcher. He must possess the feeling that he is better than the hitter, then have enough courage to prove it. The difference between a good pitcher and a mediocre pitcher is the one who quits (gives in) first.
Goals
A. Have command. Take command.
B. Do not give in to the hitter.
C. The pitcher will pitch to his own strength rather than the hitter’s weakness.
D. Locations :
Command and poise are qualities possessed by successful pitchers in baseball. The pitcher will have confidence in himself and demonstrate a positive feeling that he can do it. He must have complete confidence that he can get them out and that he is a better athlete than the hitter. If a pitcher is confident he can do the job without failure, he usually will not tense up and lose his effectiveness. A pitcher never develops confidence by doing things wrong and having little or no success. *Remember: Confidence is built or established by repeated success.
Webster defines commitment as, “An act of pledging; the act of doing; the act of preparation.” To be successful, a pitcher will possess a fierce competitive spirit. It is natural to want to win, but it takes commitment and dedication to spend countless hours of practice (proper practice) in preparation to win. Anyone can quit or settle for less than their potential, but the successful competitors have all made a personal commitment to excellence.
Goals
A. Desire to pitch.
B. Ability to learn.
C. A reasonable amount ot velocity.
D. Total commitment. Wanting the whole package.
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