Sports Psychology and Baseball Pitching - How to Be a Better Pitcher - Fifteen Simple, Proven Tips

Sports Psychology and Baseball Pitching - How to Be a Better Pitcher - Fifteen Simple, Proven Tips
By Guest Author Jay Granat

Over the years, I have counseled a number of outstanding pitchers who have wanted to take their game to the next level. These pitchers have been professionals, high school players, minor league players, college players and little league players.

They all want to get better and they want to learn how to pitch in the zone more often.

Here are some of the tips that I have communicated to them.

1. Get some training in self-hypnosis, visualization and meditation. These skills will make you a better pitcher. Know what you need to do to ease yourself into the zone.
2. Use a pre-pitch routine which builds confidence, focus and relaxation into your mind and your body. Similarly, know how to use time in the dugout and the bullpen to stay mentally ready and mentally tough.
3. Study hitters carefully and keep accurate records on what works and what does not work. Too many pitchers and coaches fail to do this. Use and analyze video and relevant statistics frequently.
4. If you can learn to deliver the ball from different positions. Being able to throw overhand, side and three quarters can make you a more deceptive pitcher.
5. Know your strengths and build up your weaknesses.
6. Speed is important, but having movement, break and variety or pitches are also essential skills for a great pitcher.
7. Decide if you are a strike out pitcher, a fly out pitcher or a ground out pitcher.
8. Practice throwing balls as often as you practice throwing strikes. You need to be able to waste pitches and entice hitters into swinging at bad pitches.
9. Work with different coaches, so you can master different aspects of pitching.
10. Determine if you are better as a starter or as a relief pitcher as early in your career as possible.
11. Develop a great rapport and working relationship with your catcher, coaches and and teammates.
12. Erase mistakes from your mind.
13. Believe it or not, you can learn something from every pitch.
14. Every pitch has to have a mission or a purpose.
15. The most important pitch you will throw is the next pitch.

Jay P. Granat, Ph.D. is a psychotherapist and the founder of http://www.stayinthezone.com. He is also the author of How To Get Into The Zone With Sport Psychology And Self-Hypnosis http://www.stayinthezone.com/shop-stay-in-the-zone.html?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=55
He can be reached at 888 580-ZONE.

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Momentum Pitching For Better Baseball

Momentum Pitching For Better Baseball
By guest author: Chris Moheno

Momentum pitching is a concept that has been around since around 2006, and that is hoped to revolutionize baseball pitching as a major and radical step forward in the sport and in baseball coaching technique. The main controversy surrounding momentum pitching is the fact that it requires a change in thinking, and many baseball enthusiasts, specifically specialists in pitching, are not willing to make this change in thinking without first having concrete proof that momentum pitching can improve the sport.

The momentum pitching concept is based on the idea that humans should use a high velocity throwing action in order to get the best possible pitch. Still, it can be difficult to change the thinking of those who have adopted concrete opinions of other concepts, especially when it is so difficult to prove the validity of a claim like this. The belief in momentum pitching is highly based on belief or faith rather than science itself, which is why momentum pitching is still having difficulty proving itself as an improved pitching technique for the game of baseball.

Momentum pitching was essentially adapted as two major elements of human movement in baseball pitching. These two elements are moving quickly, and using the large body mass as a means of generating momentum that can be transferred into the baseball when it is released from the hand. Momentum pitching was originally referred to as explosive pitching when it first came into play in 2006.

By the end of 2006, and by complete accident, a You Tube video posting of a player named Daisuke Matsuzaka required that the boundaries behind Explosive Pitching be changed, which is when momentum pitching saw its development. He performed a small, slow and ineffective back step before launching into his pitching action, which showed that if this extra step was performed correctly, it could contribute to a greater velocity with each pitch. Since this point, that back step has become a part of Dick Mills' description of Momentum Pitching. This back step was actually a crucial part of traditional baseball coaching but many baseball coaches had phased it out many years ago despite its effectiveness in the momentum pitching process.

Momentum pitching has a lot to do with taking up a more natural style of pitching, which is something that baseball has been lacking for many years. It should be near possible for someone to pitch a baseball in a manner that is near natural, so that the pitcher will not sustain avoidable injuries, but can still perform well on the mound.

Modern pitching involves so many negative and otherwise disruptive actions, including delays, actions that are deliberately slow, exaggerations, suppressed movements and so on. Because of this, the natural movements and the elements of those natural movements are extremely stifled, which can lead to a serious degradation of performance. These movements can also greatly increase the likelihood that the player will become injured.

It seems simple and straight forward then, to assume that the natural movements in pitching expressed in the momentum pitching form would decrease the chance of injury and promote baseball performance improvement. Improvement in baseball pitching is not difficult at all, and only really requires that the baseball player take advantage of natural momentum and natural movement in order to improve their pitching capabilities.

Momentum pitching involves what are essentially three different natural elements of movement. The first is moving quickly and fluidly, the second is using the large body masses in order to generate additional momentum, and the third is a back step that increases the velocity of the ball as it leaves the hand. The energy created in these movements is transferred to the baseball, giving it the pitch and velocity that it needs to travel faster and further, and most of all more naturally than before.

The trick here is that the best way to see results in baseball hitting and momentum pitching [http://www.baseballtrainingsecrets.com/articles/Power Hitting and Pitching.php] for better baseball play is that the moments should be fluid and natural. This will create a better pitch and will prevent injuries from occurring nearly as often as through the unnatural and "forced" pitching methods that are more common in today's game of baseball.

Chris Moheno has a long time passion for sports in general and for baseball coaching more specifically.

His goal is to spread the word about effective non-fluff baseball training techniques for both more experienced and young baseball players, to help them perform better during the game.

Discover more about baseball training secrets on baseballtrainingsecrets.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Moheno

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Pitching at the Next Level - Hard Work Required

Baseball Pitching Tips

By Nate Barnett

I have instructed pitchers for almost 10 years. My best pitching students are those that take the knowledge they learn from every lesson to heart; they go home and repeat movements that improve their mechanics.

They study other successful pitchers, they are eager to learn about every aspect of the game of baseball, not just pitching. They understand that they have to have a depth and breadth of pitching knowledge to succeed. The best students also understand what their true potential can be and are willing to do what it takes to improve everyday. They expect more of themselves than others expect of them. These pitchers are not naïve to think after a few great games, they have it made. They expect greatness and that is what they get half of the time. Yes, half of the time. Hall of fame pitchers win half of the time; it's just part of the game.

The most successful pitchers learn from their mistakes and then get over them quickly. Pitchers who win the most games accept failure as a learning tool and expect to win their next game. They cannot change the past; they only move forward.

Winning pitchers visualize success before it happens. They study hitters; they know each hitter's weaknesses and then they attack those areas they are most vulnerable. Their pitching workouts are very challenging; they are workhorses. Winning pitchers trust their team that they will back them up. They help other teammates succeed. They are leaders!

Winning Pitchers don't stress the small stuff. If they give up a hard hit; they will never allow that hitter to do that again, especially that very day.

If you want to be a winning pitcher, my guess is that you do because you are still reading; you need to be willing to work very hard at your game. You cannot expect greatness if you haven't put in 100% effort!

Nate Barnett is co-owner of The Pitching Academy.

After finishing a professional career in the Seattle Mariners Organization, Nate pursued his coaching and motivational training career. You can find The Pitching Academy's videos, blog, and more articles when you visit the website.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett

Youth Baseball Digest - Pitcher Having Control Problems - 3 Pitching Delivery Flaws I Check First

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By Nick Dixon

You are a youth baseball coach. One of your pitchers is having trouble throwing strikes. When a pitcher is having a bad day on the mound, there has to be a reason. In most cases bad days are caused by simple pitcher delivery flaws. Often times these flaws can be quickly identified and corrected. What are the first three things that a coach should check in the pitchers delivery? Here I discuss the first three things that I always check first.

1) Target Focus and Concentration
2) Front Leg and Landing Foot Action
3) Release Point Consistency.

These three elements of a pitcher's delivery are extremely important when it comes to becoming a good pitcher with good control.

Target Focus and Concentration - Many pitchers let their eyes wonder during their delivery. They get their sign from the catcher and start their motion. At some point they may look away from the target. They do not keep their eyes zeroed in on the catcher's mitt. When a young pitcher takes his eyes off the target, even briefly, the results can be poor concentration and inconsistent control. Coaches should always watch the eyes of the pitcher. Make sure that the younger pitchers keep their eyes on the target throughout the pitcher's pitching motion.

Front Leg and Landing Foot Action - The second element of the pitchers delivery encompasses the action of the stride leg and stride foot. The lead or stride leg should can be locked or stiff during the final stages of the delivery. There must be some give or a slight bend in the stride leg knee. A stiff front leg tends to "pole vault" the player's body upward causing the pitch location to be altered. The stride foot should land flat. Many times a pitcher will get the bad habit of pointing the toes upward and landing on the stride foot's heel. Landing on the heel will in most cases cause control problems. Make sure that the stride foot is landing on the ball of the foot with the entire foot landing flat.

Release Point Consistency - I first check to see if the pitcher is properly releasing the baseball out front and in the same spot pitch after pitch. I want to make sure that the pitcher is consistently releasing the ball in the same location. It is impossible to have good pitching control without perfect release point execution. Stress to your pitchers to get the ball out front. The pitcher should practice enough to master a consistent release point that never varies.

I hope that these tips are helpful to you. The main thing you need to remember as a youth coach is that if strikes are not being thrown, there is a reason for the problem. Every pitcher is to have his great days and bad days. But, the key is to make sure that the bad days are not caused by a simple pitching flaw that can be quickly identified and corrected.

Thanks for taking the time to read this article. For more articles like it, you can visit the Baseball Coaching Digest, Youth Baseball Digest, and Little League Digest. Good luck to you and your team. Thanks for taking the time to read my articles. Have a great day, Nick

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Nick Dixon is the President and founder of Nedco Sports, a sports training company established in 1999. Dixon is also an active and full time high school baseball coach with over 25 years experience. Coach Dixon is better known as the inventor of the BatAction Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Derek Jeter Hurricane Hitting Machine, the SKLZ Target Trainer, the SKLZ Derek Jeter ZipnHit Pro, and the SKLZ Strikeback Trainer. Dixon is also a contributing writer for BaseballCoachingDigest, the Youth Baseball Digest, the Baseball Parent Guide, the Baseball 2Day Coaches Journal, and Blog4Coaches.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nick_Dixon

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Pitching and Playing Other Positions

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Pitching and Playing Other Positions

By Nate Barnett

Have you ever wondered why pitchers don't focus on hitting or play other positions once they sign a professional contract? I believe it is important when a pitcher plays through little league and high school to really have the opportunity to play a lot of positions. They get the opportunity to gain other baseball skills like fielding the ball correctly, thinking about how other players think in different game situations and so on.

Because most pitchers are tall, you will see many of them play first base, especially lefties of course; if they don't pitch that game. However there comes a time for a pitcher to be only a pitcher and it makes logical sense. I hope a lot of coaches and parents read this article and think about the ramifications of the pitcher/position player mentality in youth baseball.

Coaches need to understand that youth pitching requires a bit more attention than it has been given. Coaches must understand pitch counts at different age levels more clearly and the amount of position playing each pitcher can do in any given week if their pitch count is high.

What kills me is when coaches have their pitchers play long toss with the entire team during team warm ups, the day after the pitcher throws over 100 pitches in a game. Even if a pitcher throws a good 75 pitches they should not be throwing long toss the next day with the team. They should be in the rebuilding phase of the pitching cycle. There has to be a recuperation period and rebuilding the tendons and ligaments that support muscle fibers and connective tissues. The recuperation period varies with every pitcher and with many different game situations and scenarios.

Here are some simple guidelines to follow when you coach pitchers who play other positions.

I received some of this valuable information going to a pitching camp held by Tom House in 2007; I believe it to be very accurate and wise counsel to follow. I have also lived through some of it when my coaches didn't fully understand what pitchers really go through.

1. If a pitcher starts a game he should not be allowed to play another position that day unless they don't make it past the first inning.

2. If a pitcher has a higher number of pitches in one game they should have a low number of swings. I recall experiencing a tender elbow a handful of times when I would swing the bat after I pitched a lot. If you believe your pitchers can handle that amount of work in one day try it yourself. You will feel the pain too; it is not enjoyable at all. Take care of their arms.

3. If a pitcher throws a high number of pitches they should also have very little playing time in the infield. Why the infield? Quick, awkward and often hard throws are required! I would add the outfield to that list because the long throws to home plate are difficult after pitching a full game. Then the coaches have that same pitcher play long toss the next day; my word! Double headers can be tricky to work around; use your best judgment in those cases.

Some coaches and parents think this is a little overboard and they are being too soft if they just don't play their kids a ton. I think it does more harm than good to just throw your kids out there without having some background education. A lot of the coaches do their best and they simply don't know. Ignorance in this case is not bliss; it can be costly.

Nate Barnett is co-owner of The Pitching Academy.

After finishing a professional career in the Seattle Mariners Organization, Nate pursued his coaching and motivational training career. You can find The Pitching Academy's videos, blog, and more articles when you visit the website.

The Pitching Academy's pitching mechanics DVD.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nate_Barnett

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Pitching Burnout in Baseball In Youth Baseball

Pitching Burnout in Baseball In Youth Baseball
By Marty Schupak

At one time or another, a pitcher can have a tired or stale arm. This can happen on the youth level just as it happens on the professional level.

In youth baseball, pitchers are even more susceptible, especially during All-Star time if pitching rules are relaxed and pitchers are able to pitch more innings. There are a number of things a manager and parents can do during the season so as to not burn out, or even possibly injure a pitcher's arm.

Loosening up is very important before a pitcher throws one pitch. The expression "warm up to pitch, don't pitch to warm up" is very relevant. For example, if you have ever noticed the great relief pitcher for the New York Yankees, Mariano Rivera. When he is called on to pitch, he goes through a stretching and loosening up routine for five or ten minutes before he even picks up a ball.

During the regular season, managers, coaches and even parents should pay more attention to a player's pitch count rather than the number of innings pitched. Every player is different, but the manager should use some sort of guideline to determine how many pitches are enough for a particular player.

A few years ago the American Sports Medicine Institute did a study sending surveys to orthopedic surgeons and coaches around the country. They recommended for 11-12 year-old pitchers a maximum of 68 pitches with two days recovery. This might seem very conservative. The study also stated that conditioning of the arm and entire body can reduce injury.

Another issue facing the youth baseball pitcher is dual leagues, or playing for his school and an outside league. It is always a good idea for the manager to make contact with the school coach. Let him know that you understand that the school team is the priority and that you want to be aware of how much the player is pitching. Responsible school coaches should be able to give you the amount of innings and pitch count for a player throughout the season.

Baseball seasons are increasing in length at the youth league level. All-Star games and the popularity of fall baseball all add up. There is potential for pitchers to do harm to their arms. Loosening up and stretching are a must. It is up to the manager, coaches, and parents to look out for the long-term interest in their player, rather than overpitching him to win one particular game.

http://www.YouthSportsClub.com

http://www.VideosForCoaches.com

Marty Schupak has coached youth baseball for 18 years and is the video creator of "The 59 Minute Baseball Practice", "Backyard Baseball Drills", "Winning Baseball Strategies", "Hitting Drills & Techniques" and author of the popular book, "Youth Baseball Drills". He is a principle for Videos For Coaches and is also President of the Youth Sports Club, a group dedicated to making sports practices and games more enjoyable for kids.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Marty_Schupak

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Tips on Baseball Pitching Mechanics

By Alan Karpuch

It is a known fact that it is hard for any pitcher to have three innings. A pitcher needs to give up hits and walks, as well as work with fielders who make errors. If you are a pitcher and wants to improve your skill, it is recommended to ask advice on pitching mechanics. Remember that a lot of problems in pitching are due to poor mechanics.

Pitching mechanics can be hard for a coach to analyze at full velocity. If the basic structure is inconsistent, remember that even if you change one feature, the problem is still there. One of the most important things you need to know which motion is wrong and it is essential to solve the trouble in lack of control.

Every pitcher is required to practice everyday and remember that it is impossible to perfect the skill in just one day. Pitching is like any other sport - it requires practice to be good at it.

It is a fact that it is hard to find a new pitcher that has good pitching mechanics. Pitching needs dedication and hard work and you must take care of yourself completely. It is essential to be in perfect shape and pay attention on your arm and you must work on the right pitching mechanics in order to lessen the risk of arm injury. If you are just starting out, make sure to do a lot of throwing in order to develop arm strength.

Aside from physical strength, you must also develop your mental element of pitching. You must also be tough mentally in order to be a skilled pitcher. This element can be developed eventually and it is necessary to examine your performance every game in order to improve more. Always focus on the game especially on the hitter and face any problem appropriately. Remember that with good pitching mechanics, you can ensure your good health and success.

Alan provides information about Pitching Workouts through his website on Baseball Pitching Mechanics

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Karpuch

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