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Relax Before You Hit!
Relaxing Under Pressure
It is very important to know that adding undo pressure and being tense while you are at bat not only limits your batting potential, but it can break down a majority of your effective mechanics.
Before you first enter the batter's box, prepare yourself mentally and physically in advance. First, take a deep deep breath and exhale slowly. Relax your legs by either shaking them or just bending at your knees slightly. Your arms and shoulders can be relaxed by swinging a limp bat downward. Check your grip. Are you knuckles blood red? If so, relax your grip, especially your top hand. Now tell yourself to swing quickly and swiftly versus hard and powerful.
As the pitch is about to be delivered, you must check yourself to make sure you retained your relaxed state. Being relaxed will allow your bat to powerfully and quickly attack the pitch. The results will be more consistent and the ball will fly off the bat.
Another tip: If for any reason, you find yourself upset while at bat, ask for time and drop back out of the box. Regain your composure, take a deep breath, and repeat your relaxation steps. This will help to removing the bad thought, and refocus your efforts onto the upcoming pitch. An upset hitter is a pitcher's delight.
Remember, you are usually not at bat for more than a minute or two. Certainly, you can relax yourself for that time. You owe it to yourself to be in control of your emotions, and you physical and mental state. It would be a shame to allow these areas to retract from future success, and to negate the hours of practice you have put into being a prepared hitter.
 Hold_the_Rope1.doc
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