How do you concentrate effectively as a hitter?
How do you make sure that you’re focus level is at it’s maximum level during each at-bat….throughout a whole season?
Those are two VERY important questions……so here are 3 VERY effective answers.
Watch the pitcher from the dugout
If you look carfully, the pitcher will tell you everything you need to know to make an educated decision on what approach you should take in your next at-bat such as:
- What pitch he starts each hitter off with
- What pitch is is throwing most for strikes
- What pitch he throws in key situations
- What pitch he throws ahead in the count
- What pitch he throws behind in the count
- What pitch he throws with runners in scoring position
The more you do this, the better you will get at coming up with the best approach. The better the approach, the more hits. The more hits, the more success. The more success…….well…….the longer you play;)
Keep your eyes locked onto the pitch and attack a specific spot on the ball
The more specific you are in attacking the ball the more accurate you will be in regards to your hand-eye coordination. You may have been told to attack the top half of the ball.
Unless you’re trying to hit the ball on the ground I suggest that you throw that idea out of the window. Instead I would utilize what Steve Springer teaches in his private lessons which is to “attack the inner half”. Why listen to him? Well, he’s only the Performance Coach/ Big League scout for the Toronto Blue-Jays. Oh yea, and he played in the BIGS. Attacking the inner half is his motto and it’s been adopted by dozens of players that have professional careers.
Stay Relaxed, be natural and have fun
You can’t put pressure on yourself and expect to perform at your best. Listen, you wan’t to have fun playing this game right? Then CHOOSE to. Some players think that the only way to have fun playing this game is by being successful and having exceptional stats. Having success is great, but knowing that this game is a privilege, and having the ability to play each game by that truth will help keep things into perspective.
If you ever find yourself struggling, don’t forget to take time to get your other needs met. Don’t forget about why it is you play. Which is to become a better person….I hope…..;)
Baseball is a beautiful game. Play as though you are contributing to that fact and baseball will contribute back to you in ways that you can’t even imagine…….
GOOD LUCK………DO WORK!
Mark Brooks
7:11 p.m