How much a pitcher is willing to compete on the mound and lead the fight for his team is the 1st deciding factor whether or not he gets the ball and the final straw in winning a championship. Because when a pitcher doesn’t have his best stuff, he still needs to find a way. Competing is easy when you are on your game. It’s how well you make pitches to get outs when you aren’t working with a prime arsenal. A true competitor on the mound is able to find his niche of being under control with emotions and aggression while making pitches. The notion that a competitor has to run through a brick wall, or worse yet, throw the ball through the collection of dense matter and mortar is beyond detrimental. Proper Behavior For Competitors

Proper Behavior For Competitors
OVERVIEW

As the game escalates into high leverage situations in the later innings, the focus remains on execution over the outcome and magnitude. The premier competitor makes pitches in the Bottom of 9th inning in a tie game no differently that of being on the back end of a blowout with nothing more to lose.

The true competitor is equipped with a sense of balance. Even keel for sure, all while responding to the bigger moments. Higher risk, HIGHER Reward. No arguments there. Behavior on the mound predicates what kind of competitor one truly is.

In referencing The Mental ABC’s of Pitching by the late H.A. Dorfman, the baseball mental mastermind breaks it down with the 4 steps of proper behavior for competitors. The phasing out process of athletes is natural selection. Those who possess all of the necessary tools will go further. For the rest who are not blessed with understanding the full package will plateau as the game stops for no one.  

 

Proper Behavior For Competitors
COURAGE

 

There are situations in baseball where the preemptive waiting period can give ulcers to even the mentally strongest. Yet, they still show up. That is what leaders do. They stick to their game plan and rely on all of their mental resources. Especially, when the stuff is lacking. Excuses, internal or external, will escalate the situation to possibly unmanageable levels. Finding a way is a broad based term to many, yet unique to each individual. Displaying intense emotions and frivolous intimidation tactics on the mound can often be a coverup for fear. Fear that the job can not be done without their best stuff. Or fear that the preparation was insufficient as the process just got real. The flimsy act will be seen through by all in attendance once falling behind a hitter. Remember, pitching with full conviction, is what truly intimidates hitters.

Proper Behavior For Competitors
FOCUS

 

When a pitcher takes the mound, regardless of the situation, the only thing he can focus on is what he can control. That commences with his behavior. The competitor responds to fear and frustration by shifting his focus to how best to handle the competition. Body language and character coincide with the foundation of behavior. For better or worse, body language will lead to corresponding performance. A pitcher displays character based upon his approach. Focusing on what has to be done eliminates distractions. A pitcher’s focus should never waver from one situation to the next. The posture of the pitcher is the backbone to competitor. No pun intended.

Proper Behavior For Competitors
POISE

 

The ability to calm the tribe and quiet the rally is contagious. Teammates feed of this positive energy while opposing lineups can witness dissipation of momentum. Thus, why the pitcher has the position #1 on the field. As poise is a barometer of self control, ie behavior, it is vital to understand that it is far easier to maintain the dynamic attitude instead of turning it off and on. Losing the competitive approach can lead to negative emotions taking over and sending altered signals to the body’s supercomputer. This leads to a break down. The importance of maintaining poise in your mound behavior can either make you Moses or Judas in the clubhouse.

 

Proper Behavior For Competitors
EXECUTION

 

Simplicity creates an easier path to succeed. With that said, it enhances the process of pitching. Eliminating all nonsensical distractions and just focusing on the target and delivering the pitch aggressively is all that has to be done. Let common sense be the guide, both in preparation and in real time. Proper execution comes from focusing on making one pitch at a time. Outcome of the pitch and magnitude of the situation are insignificant. Wins and strikeouts are a byproduct of execution. The previous 3 steps are the foundation of the competitor who responds to fear in order to successfully execute pitches.

Proper Behavior For Competitors
IN CLOSING

Making a roster, getting playing time, and having a defined role are all attained by trust. The more a coach has trust in a pitcher, the better the role, the bigger the paycheck. These are all factored in to the 4 steps of proper behavior of a competitor. Individually, the tools and resources for enhancement of a competitor are easily accessible nowadays. If you are willing to position yourself mentally as a front line starter or premier closer, the opportunity is yours for the taking. This is your time to excel. Scouts and coaches alike look so much into how well a pitcher competes. Because that is what it all comes down to in this endeavor. Multiple 9 figure contracts are not based off of just ‘STUFF’ alone….

 

Keep Dominating!!!