Order, Timing & Intent

1. You step into the batters box, and you start thinking about how this pitcher is going to attack you. 2. He gets a lot of chases and misses with his slider, especially late, so you’ll have to watch out for that. 3. He doesn’t throw his changeup a lot to righties like yourself, so you shouldn’t have to worry about that one. 4. He tries to keep his fastball down and away, and he likes to get ahead in the count with it. 5. You like to pull fastballs for power in early counts, and middle-in is your happy zone. 6. So, what’s the plan?

This feels like a good process, right?

Look again at the very first sentence.

You’re late.

If these thoughts are going through your head after you step into the box, the first pitch will blow right past you before you realize it, or you’ll panic and swing at anything that comes out of his hand, maybe even the rosin bag. And you’re thinking about how he is going to attack you, so your mindset is defensive.

The second sentence says that you’re focused too much on his strengths. Your first thought was about his wipe-out slider, and it’s also your last thought before the pitch is on its way because you’re so late. You’ve set yourself up to chase it.

The third sentence is a nice observation and helpful, just not while the pitcher is in his delivery.

The fourth sentence makes sense, and gives you an idea of what he’s trying to do with his fastball. But it’s near the end of the thought process, and it’s getting smothered by the other thoughts.

Your own strengths only come to your mind as the fifth thought. The basis of your attack plan should be up front, clear and correct in the front of your mind at all times. Think this first: “I like to drive inner-half fastballs.”

Finally, you ask yourself, “What’s the plan?” Wrong. This question needs to be asked well in advance. Before the game. On the bench. In the on-deck circle. Any time before you get into the box and you’re facing the pitcher.

Let’s simply flip the order and timing of these thoughts and see if there’s a difference…

1. Before you step into the batters box, you consider your plan to attack this pitcher. 2. You like pulling inner-half fastballs for power. 3. This guy tries to keep his fastballs down and away, but no pitcher is perfect, and if you get one in your sweet spot, you’ll jump on it. 4. He doesn’t like his changeup, so you can take that one off the menu. 5. You’re aware that his slider is his putaway pitch, and he wants you to chase it out of the zone. 6. Now you’re ready to step into the box, get your breath right, let your eyes take over, and wait for the pitch you’re looking for…