First inning struggles

Does seem to be an issue at times with many athletes doesn't it. One of the best pieces of advice is on using breathing to create relaxation and focus. I suggest these two because often early in the game guys on the hill may not have the focus they have in mid game. Energy is pumping, the situation is new, etc.

You may find these following articles helpful. The first is written by a sports psychologist out in Utah.

Clear the Mechanism

The below article written by the same guy has some more information. (The first two questions would be applicable to you somewhat.)

http://www.thepitchingacademy....Q_&_A_With_Justin_Su'a.html

Can't figure out the url deal, just copy and paste the above.

Nate

I have found that sometimes the pitcher is not warmed up enough even if he says he is---have him try pitching a additional simulated inning in the pen in addition to his normal pregame warmups.

You might see a difference

Tom Seaver used to have the same problem--if the ooponents did no6t get to him in the first two innings the odds were that they wouldn't

That last line is great about kids today not throwing enough. I might add, kids today just don't throw enough because they aren't messing around in the backyard or down at the ball field as much any more.

Informal games with your buddies creates all sorts of mental skills that translate over to organized ball. I hated losing to my buddies in a game of whiffle ball; I learned to deal with failure and channel it back into my competative nature.

Throw, throw throw... the right way

I had this problem throughout my career. And the problem was I was not warmed up enough. As the game goes on, adrenalin starts pumping, and you start to get stronger. It is always important to be completely warm before taking the mound. 1 bad inning is all it takes some times to do a team in. I would say that this is probably your son's problem in not being warmed up enough.

What is his pre game routine?

I've sometimes heard it referred to as "the pitchers arm is not stretched out enough." It is a very common problem.

First inning a pitcher faces the top of the order. Most of the time middle & bottom are awful. If you combine that with not properly warming up, you get slow starts.

quote:

Originally posted by BOF:
BOF Jr is up to his tricks again last night....first inning struggles and then he gets stronger as the game goes on. I looked at his starts this year and 3 of the 5 starts he has struggled a bit in the first inning. Two of them he was lights out in the first.

I suggested that maybe in his warm ups he has a kid stand in and throw a simulated inning prior to his start. I will pull down the "Heads up Baseball" book off the shelf and look for additional suggestions.

Any suggestions from the Mental crowd

BOF,
This is what I call the first inning "bull in the china shop" syndrome that is very common, on every level. This is where most of the damage is done by the pitcher in his first inning. It really has nothing to do with not being properly warmed up, though a pitchers routine has a lot to do with it as well.
This is a common thing that occurs when the pitcher, in anticipation, has too much adrenaline flowing. The only way it can be controlled is through mental conditioning which includes breathing excercises and the use of mental techniques.
Dave works with Jason Selk, the Cards psychologist who has a book that you might want to check out.

That big breath you often see ML pitchers take before each pitch is part of it. PM me for details.

The mental approach that TPM spoke of is right on. Another factor that goes along with that and the warming up issue is a routine. Every pitcher must have a routine. That routine needs to be followed every time out so that when the pitcher toes the rubber he knows and feels that he has prepared himself and he is now game ready. Then take a deep breath and do what you have prepared to do. Leave no doubt in your mind if you are ready or if you should have thrown a little more or a little less for that matter. Use that routine every time (as long as it is effective) and have confidence in it.

It could be a couple things. Some pitchers just have really bad nerves before the game starts and it spills on over to the first inning. I know that has happened a few times with me over the course of my career. When this happens sometimes the pitcher just needs to remind himself not to over throw and to attack the zone. Another scenario could be that he isnt warmed up enough before the game. Having a batter stand in is a great idea. When he thinks he is loose and has all of his pitches working grab a hitter to track some pitches.

The use of Action Goals is very helpful here too. These game action words, visuals, or physical actions help the player focus on what they want. Many pitchers just need some methods to put them in the right mindset. They eventually get there, but if 1st inning damage is holding them back then they need some help. It is easy to say - "just relax and trust yourself", but often hard to do. A system needs to be given for many. There have been a lot of good comments on here!
Rick
Performance and Development Coach
www.baseball-cap.net