Tip of the Week: “In the Now”
January 2, 2010
Orel Hershiser, taking it one pitch at a time.
Happy New Year. Here’s another catching tip….
The best players I ever played with or against – the George Bretts, the Orel Hershisers, the Todd Heltons – all seemed to approach the game like little kids. What I mean is, regardless of circumstances, they all performed in the moment.
Strike out with the bases loaded…on to the next at-bat. Take a bad swing…on to the next pitch. Give up a homer…focus on the next pitch. Moment to moment, pitch to pitch, game to game.
To have consistent success, you must give 100% attention to the task at hand. For example, in hitting, this might mean seeing the ball. Preoccupation with the past (dragging your last 0 for 20 into the at-bat) or preoccupation with the future (hoping to get a hit) splinters your attention and diminishes your ability to simply see the ball.
Great players have short memories. And why shouldn’t they? The past is gone and the future hasn’t even happened yet. The only “real” thing is what’s happening right NOW. Baseball’s a tough enough game as it is. You don’t need to compete against the ghosts of the past and the demons of the future – and play the game all at the same time.
Don’t get me wrong. Reflection on your past mistakes or successes can be very helpful. So is visualizing the future and what you want. Just make sure to do it at the appropriate time…not when you’re playing.
Focused attention on the moment will make you a better player and help you have more fun. You’ll play “lighter” without the burden of expectations or fear of past mistakes. The joy of the game might just come through you…just like a little kid.
“Once my catcher and I determine the pitch, that’s all there is. There’s nobody standing there then. I don’t think about the next game, the next inning, the next hitter, the next play. There’s only the next pitch. It’s the only job I have.” ~Orel Hershiser
Till next week, good luck, have fun, and keep your eye on the ball.
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