The most important time to win during competition

Happy Day 1, everybody! In this post I am focusing on a vital aspect of competition that is often overlooked: the time between plays. Specifically, I am addressing the 10 to 15 seconds between pitches in baseball and how mastering this interval can significantly impact your performance.

The Importance of Time Between Plays

I firmly believe that the 10 to 15 seconds between pitches are more important than the pitch itself. To illustrate why, let’s consider a scenario involving a hitter and a pitcher. 

The Mastery of a Great Pitcher

Imagine a pitcher who excels in the mental game. This pitcher is a master at winning the time between pitches. He uses his breath to take control, exhibits confident body language, maintains focus on the present moment, and engages in powerful, positive self-talk. This self-talk directs his attention to what he wants to execute, keeping him grounded and prepared for the next pitch. 

The hitter on the other hand is the exact opposite. He’s frustrated by the umpires call on the previous pitch. His fear of failure is taking over and he’s hoping he doesn’t strike out. His self-talk is negative and his body language is weak. It’s clear he’s spiraling out of control. Now, who do you think has a better chance to succeed in this scenario? The pitcher, 100%.

Why This Time Matters

These brief moments are crucial because they allow the player to reset and refocus. It’s during these intervals that mental resilience is built. The pitcher’s ability to stay present and maintain a positive mindset directly influences the outcome of each pitch, and 100% increases his odds for success. By mastering these moments, athletes can avoid being overwhelmed by pressure and maintain a consistent level of performance.

Applying This Concept in Baseball and Beyond

While our example focuses on baseball, the principle applies to all sports. Whether it’s the time between shots in basketball, plays in football, or points in tennis, the intervals between actions are opportunities to mentally reset and prepare. The best of the best look to DOMINATE and WIN this time over the competition.

Strategies to Master the Time Between Plays

1. Breath Control: Use deep, meaningful breaths to gain self-control and bring about a sense of calm confidence.

2. Positive Self-Talk: Engage in affirming and focused self-talk to maintain a positive mindset and direct your focus to what you WANT to happen

3. Present Moment Focus: Keep your attention on the only moment that matters, the present moment!

4. Confident Body Language: Exhibit strong, confident body language to boost your mental state and intimidate your opponent. Make them feel your presence.

Brandon’s Primary Takeaways

The moments between plays in sports are often more critical than the plays themselves. By mastering these intervals, athletes can enhance their focus, confidence, and overall performance.

• The moments between plays are crucial for maintaining focus and performance.

• Mastering these intervals involves breath control, positive self-talk, and present moment focus.

• This approach can be applied across all sports to enhance mental resilience and consistency.

Action Steps

1. Practice deep breathing exercises and really be aware of the air coming in and out as you breath to improve your ability to stay calm and focused.

2. Develop a routine of positive self-talk to reinforce a confident mindset.

3. Focus on the present moment during competition, avoiding distractions from past or future events.

By mastering the crucial moments between plays, athletes can significantly enhance their mental game and overall performance, leading to them consistently putting themselves in the best possible position to succeed.