The Biggest Mental Mistake in the game of baseball is being afraid to be a winner. There is nothing worse. Playing not to lose will eventually lead to losing. It’s just the way it goes. When you lack conviction and play with fear, nothing, and I mean nothing will go your way. Throwing the Slider with a Runner on 3B
Therefore, on the topic of being a Fearless Warrior while standing on the mound,
Let’s look at a true game changer that will separate you and expose your strengths amongst the competition….
Throwing the Slider with a Runner on 3B
Where do you want me to start with this one?
If your are afraid of throwing the Slider with a runner on 3B, or any of your secondary pitches for that matter, because you are concerned it may be a wild pitch that leads to a run….Let’s look at it from the hitter’s perspective…
When the hitter sees fear in a pitcher’s eyes, it makes him comfortable, and consequently, gives him the upper hand…..this should never, ever happen. When the hitter knows that he will get a fastball in a situation because the pitcher fears to throw anything else. Odds are, he will drive in that run anyways.
At the very least, make him earn it!!!!! And sure as anything, do not Hope for the Slider will go where you want!!!
If you can throw the Slider comfortably with no runners on base or a runner on 1B, why do you have to tense up and change the approach when a runner is on 3B?
- The objective is still the same, make pitches and get outs.
- Your approach to throwing a Slider never changes, regardless of the situation.
- Stay behind the baseball, release out in front, and throw it down hill.
This is the mindset every time you throw this Dominant pitch.
Throwing the Slider with a Runner on 3B
Boost Your Confidence
Put yourself in this situation, either visually or in practice. In a bullpen session, take time to throw a few Sliders with the mindset that the runner is on 3B. Understand that nothing changes. You throw it the same way you would in any other situation. Being able to fully use your arsenal of pitches in all situations is another method that wears down hitters and keeps the odds in your favor….where they always should be!
The more comfortable that you are, the more you will execute the Slider properly. The more that you prepare yourself both mentally and physically, the more comfortable you will be when it is time to execute.
Throwing the Slider with a Runner on 3B
A *Bonus* to this Topic
When you have a good catcher who will work for you and fight for you behind the plate, as a pitcher, you have something special. This support system will quickly take your game to new levels.
So with a runner on 3B and a wall behind the dish, this should make you Uber fearless in throwing the Slider in this situation, to Both Sides of the Plate!
When the hitter is expecting a fastball and you can throw something that starts out looking like fastball….
…Only to break down and away from the barrel of the bat
Enjoy the Success!
Keep Dominating!!!
throwing the Slider with a Runner on 3B
About the Author
Brad Kirsch is the Owner/Creator of Slider Domination.
He is a former professional pitcher who blogs about all things Pitching.
Brad has also authored the AudioBook,
7 Reasons Why YOU Should Throw a Slider.
If you haven’t done so already, you can Download the AudioBook Here