Life Lesson #9: On the Mound

ON THE MOUND

By now, we have done a considerable amount of game simulation. We've worked left-handed and righthanded batters, faced Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey Jr., and struck out the side to win the World Series. Obviously, there is a big difference between our practice in the bullpen and the situation of pitching in a competitive game. These simulations are intended to bridge the gap between practice and the games. With that being said, it's very important to understand the different states of mind that these situations require, and Life Lesson #8 discusses the optimal thought process when you step on the mound.

I often ask athletes to try and put the details of pitching instruction aside when working game simulations. "Do your best to avoid over-thinking," I'll say, "Now, it's time to pitch!" The purpose of working batters at lessons is to train you to put most thoughts out of your head and focus your attention on the current pitch. If we can achieve this clarity in practice, your mind will be clear and your thoughts concentrated when you step on the mound in a game. This is also the reason for our repetition in bullpens; why you must continually show me that your hands are high, and your finish strong for example. I need to see that your body has learned these actions, or that they have been programmed into your "muscle memory." That way, we can feel confident that you will pitch with the proper fundamental and physical movements in game situations, while your mind is concentrating on the task at hand.

Concentrating on the task at hand is exactly what you should do when you step onto the mound in games. Your mind should be clear of any self-coaching, not worrying about the details of your last delivery or release point. We can break down the desired thoughts into three simple words: Pitch... Where... There. To expand, all thoughts about mechanics and movements should cease when you get onto the rubber. Instead, focus your thoughts on the selection of the next pitch. Then, determine the location of the pitch and focus on where you are going to throw the ball. Finally, execute the 'there' and throw the ball with confidence and poise to the target. Pitch… where… there!

To conclude, I often ask you to be your own coach. After all, you are the only one that will be present every time your body goes out to pitch. However, we now must add a rule to self-coaching, and establish when and where that coach must move aside to let the pitcher pitch. Stepping onto the rubber in a game is when you become a pitcher, and only a pitcher. Understand that all self-coaching takes place off of the rubber, and work hard to think only of the next pitch when you step onto the mound. Keep it simple: Pitch... where... there.