Wrong Minded Hitting

Have you ever come up to bat with the wrong mindset that results in a hit with poor contact?  Here are some examples of wrong thinking, in no particular order.

1. Infallibility – I am 8 for 8 in the tournament and on a roll.  I can hit anything so I widen my strike zone expecting the same results.

2. I’m mad as hell and not going to take it anymore – I am 0 for 8 and try to rip the cover off the ball.

3. Negative situational hitting – There is a right center gap and I am taking the ball that way no matter where the pitch is in the strike zone.

4. Do or do not, there is no try - Deciding too late the ball is a strike and hit it off the hands or swing off balance.

5. Fear strikes out -  Afraid of striking out and swing at a sure ball four. Or afraid you are going to screw up. Negative thinking is detrimental.

6. Man’s got to know his limitations – Everybody’s strike zone is a little different, some hit balls better up and in some like it low and away, etc. Know which first strike pitches are not in your hot zone and take the strike. 

7. When you’re hot, you’re hot - Hit balls in your hot zone, even first pitches, but know what your hot zone is.

8. What was I thinking – Think what to do and do it, not what not to do and do that instead.  Stay focused or don’t think at all.

9. I’m so excited, I’m about to lose control and I think I like it – Not good and often at the start of the game.  Adrenaline rush, too much caffeine, getting the jitters or whatever causes one to overreact, tense up, try too hard and lose focus.  Take deep breaths or imagine the pitcher is naked (not really).

10. Is this golf? - “Look at that hit”, No hit and run as fast as you can, you know where to go.  Let the other guys watch and the other team go find the ball.