You must have a pre-pitch routine. Here is what you do:
- Set a goal for the pitch and mentally state it;
- Mentally state the word relax;
- Throw your pitch.
Repeate this procedure every time you throw a pitch and you will literally brainwash yourself to relax. The key to achieving peak performance on the mound is to remain relaxed. When you are relaxed both hemispheres of your brain will function at maximum capacity and that is when you achieve peak performance.
There is an excellent book out on the subject titled “Mastering The Mental Side Of Pitching.” It is published by Lulu Publishing and available at www.lulu.com. It explains why pitchers struggle with performance on the mound and what they can do to create positive change.
There is also another excellent program created specifically for the mental part of pitching called “Mind Mastery For Pitching.” It contains a DVD titled Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life, and a 30 minute CD titled Becoming A Winning Pitcher. It is available at www.hk-relax.com.