pitching and hitting inside

[Ry9770]

Today i went to the park to play baseball with my friends. I pitched a little and threw high 50s to 60 mph. I was able to throw them for strikes. Once a faced a hitter, i lost courage. I was thinking what if i drill him? What if my breaking pitch is going to get crushed. My mind held me back and i lobbed a few pitches over the middle of the plate. Then he crushed a few in the gap. How can i stop being afraid of pitching inside. Alos my two seam fastball doesnt tail or sink.

AFter i pitched, i got up to bat. Then i had the same problem. What if he throws a pitch and hits me? That was all i kept on thinking. I got a few on the side part of the plate and i hit line drives the opposite way. But when the ball went on the mid inside part of the plate i got scared and swung and missed. I dont know what has gotten into me last season because i had the same thoughts last year as well. How can i stop thinking of getting drilled so i can focus on my mechanics and driving the ball?

[TG Coach]

I was thinking what if i drill him? What if my breaking pitch is going to get crushed. My mind held me back and i lobbed a few pitches over the middle of the plate. Then he crushed a few in the gap. How can i stop being afraid of pitching inside.

So what if you hit him. It gives him something to think about too.

After i pitched, i got up to bat. Then i had the same problem. What if he throws a pitch and hits me?

You take your base, then steal second. That will teach him not to hit you.

You have to be able to disassociate thinking like a pitcher from thinking like a hitter. Baseball is a very mental game.

[Baseball gLove]

You have to focus on your target. When you hit a batter, you have to forget it and not be afraid to claim any part of the plate, inside or outside, as yours.

[mike28nc]

Ry9770,

I am not too sure on your age. I am guessing your 10-11 pitching 50-60mph. Pitching inside you have to think and demand that it is your plate. If you hit a batter then maybe the next guy will be off the plate. I have always tried to teach the pitcher to block out the batter. Act like he is not even there.

As for you hitting and worried about being hit by a pitch. If your going to get hit there is really not much you can do about it. It is going to happen. Work on protecting your self and dont worry about it. Wear it as a badge of honor.

Mike

[Braves Fan 24]

The number one thing to remember: It will only hurt for like a mintue, it's not really that big of a deal. So what if you hit him, it's baseball, it happens. If he hits you then it's just another chance for your team to get the opputunity to win the game.

Also, someone else menitoned this, but my coach preaches that baseball is a mental game and you have to be mentally prepared for it. That's why he has us do timed long distance runs (a mile and a half.) You have to beat your previous time, and it's basically you overcoming your body and the fear of not making it or not being able to finish.

[Billybob622]

I agree with everything said here. As for what i do, I act like it's a bullpen session. I keep my eye on the glove, and throw where you're told or where you want to. (just like the batter keeps his eye on the ball, you keep your eye on the glove) Forget the batter and think of it as a bullpen session, with mixed pitches. Atleast thats what i try to think.

[Ry9770]

Thank you. i had a game today and i went 1-2. i just cleared my head and thought about how the pitcher as going to pitch me. WOOOT we won