No matter what level you are at in your game, reflection is a huge component that can propel you in the right direction. When it comes to hitting, everyone knows that it consists of repeated failure. It is one of the hardest things to do in all of sports. So what can we do to improve our success rate?
Reflection is important in the development of hitters (and all walks of life). When you reflect, you are re-living a specific moment in time. Your mind revisits the scenario to over look much of the detail that contributed to a certain result. For example, you choose to reflect on an at-bat against a pitcher that you faced a month ago since you will be facing him again. You look back and see that you rolled over to the third baseman. Why do you think you got that result? There are so many factors that go into it such as your mindset, how you felt that day, how you were seeing the ball, your timing, your pitch selection, the setting, and so much more.
While all the small details matter, it may drive certain hitters crazy to break them all down so it will be beneficial to focus on a few key points to maximize your production. Over time, you will be able to focus on the surrounding details. Let’s start small by focusing on a few key points that I believe are the most necessary for all hitters.
Here are the three keys to focus on when reflecting during or after your at-bats:
The two questions to ask yourself:
Was that a good pitch to swing at?
Was I on time?
These two questions can be asked as often as between pitches or as little as between at-bats. The first question helps you to realize if you swung at a pitch that you would normally drive. Whether you were on time or not helps you to make the adjustment for the next pitch or next at-bat. These questions are important because swinging at good pitches and being on time together allows you to increase your average, your extra base hits, your RBI’s, your OPS, and all your offensive categories. If one is off, the result we are looking for may not happen. In most cases, both questions need to be a “yes” for a good result.
Visualize and Make the Adjustments
Once you know the answer to both questions above for a give pitch or at-bat, you can make the necessary adjustments to make those answers a “yes.” Ask surrounding questions like “Was I early, was I late, or was I on time?” Or “Was that pitch inside, outside, high, low, or perfect?” These will help you to make the right adjustments. If you were late, you may have to start your load a little earlier to be on time. If you swung at a pitch up in the zone, you may have to set your sights to get a pitch that is belt high. The adjustments you make should tailor to your strengths as a hitter. Once you know the adjustments you want to make, visualize it and execute it.
Take a Deep Breath, Reset, and Refocus
If you are making the adjustments during your at-bat between pitches, after you visualize and know what adjustments you are making, take a deep breath, reset, and refocus for that pitch. The reason for the deep breath is to relax your mind and body to perform at optimal levels. Resetting and refocusing are very important aspects. You are able to shift your focus from past to present. As we went over, when you reflect, your mind is in a past event. If we want a good result, we must shift that to the present and execute our adjustments.
Reflecting on your past has its purpose, but just remember that it is not beneficial to live there. This is commonly referred to as “dwelling on your past.” It can actually hurt you because where your focus goes, your results show. Dwelling on that first at-bat when you struck out will do some harm in the later at-bats in the game. It could also end up digging you deeper into a slump. Use the techniques above to reflect just long enough to extract the information, know how you will adjust, and execute in the present moment.
