Everyone knows that being physically talented is important to being a good baseball player. What I think is equally important is having a strong mental game. Part of the mental game for a pitcher is what you do in between every pitch. Those 15-20 seconds are either preparing you for the next pitch or they are distracting you.
In this post, I will talk through what a pre-pitch routine is, why it is important, and how to develop your own.
What is it and why is it important?
A pre-pitch routine is simply what you do on a consistent basis between pitches. This can include the way you wipe the rubber, walk around the mound, or take your sign. On a deeper level, it is also how you breathe, visualize, and talk to yourself.
Routines in general are important because they can provide comfort and confidence. It provides comfort because if I have a routine, it doesn’t matter where I am, I know exactly what to do and how to do it. Routines also bring confidence because when I know what I am supposed to do and I have had success in the past doing it, I know that it can happen again.
A good pre-pitch routine keeps you in the present moment. It provides clarity and focus on the pitch you are about to make. If your pre-pitch routine is pulling you away from the task at hand, then it is time to re-evaluate.
How to Develop your own
There are multiple options when it comes to creating a pre-pitch routine. The important thing is to be yourself! Don’t try to have a calm and relaxed demeanor if you pitch better angry. On the flip side, don’t try to pitch angry if you pitch better calm. Two good examples of this are Zack Greinke and Max Scherzer. Take a look at the videos below and notice the difference.
Both of these guys have a pre-pitch routine, but they are completely different. Always remember to be yourself. Figure out what works best for you.
When creating your routine, I like to work through 3 main areas:
The breath
Visualization
Self Talk
The Breath
A good breath is one of the most powerful things you can do. Why? Because it brings your mind to the present moment and allows you to focus with clarity. Whether you pitch aggressive and angry or calm and relaxed, the breath is an essential part of a good routine.
Visualization
I remember the first time I practiced visualizing in a bullpen. It was like my mind had been open to a whole new world. When you visualize exactly where you want the ball to go, how it will move, how the hitter will react; it is amazing how well you can execute your pitches. It takes incredible focus to do this well pitch after pitch, but when you do, amazing things start to happen. Your mind is powerful. Use it to your advantage.
SElf talk
Most players have self talk going on throughout the game whether you are aware of it or not. The question is, what are you saying to yourself?. Is it positive or negative? Is it pulling you away from the task at hand or is it encouraging you to execute the pitch?
Good positive self talk includes things like:
“Throw through the glove”
“Let’s go, attack the zone”
“This batter doesn’t stand a chance”
“He can’t hit this pitch”
Negative self talk would include:
“Don’t throw another ball”
“I hope he doesn’t hit this”
“Don’t leave this pitch up”
“I can’t walk this guy”
An easy way to know if you are using positive or negative self talk can often be found in the first few words. Are you saying I can’t, I hope, or don’t? Or are you saying I will, I can, or do? They might mean the same things, but one is aggressive and confident, while the other is scared and timid.
Example Pre-pitch Routine
Get your sign, visualize the ball going where you want it to go
Positive self talk
Deep breath
Pitch
In conclusion
At the end of the day, there are numerous ways to develop a pre-pitch routine. The important part is that you have one and that it is helping you. Take the time to write out what your routine is. Bring awareness to where you can make changes and what it will take to improve your routine. Remember, it needs to be something you can do every pitch, not just every once in a while. Consistency is the key.
I hope you enjoyed this and as always if you have any questions, please reach out!
Enjoy the Process,
Jared Gaynor
P.S. I am going to be presenting on March 27th on how to throw more strikes. Pre-pitch routines are a big part of that and I will be talking about this topic more. It is a FREE virtual event. If you are interested, please click here to sign up!
