Video transcript:
One of the best ways you can improve your performance as a baseball player without even having to move a muscle is by practicing imagery. Here’s what it is and how you can use it. Imagery is a practice that involves mentally creating images of ourselves executing different skills and tasks. It’s like daydreaming on purpose. It’s intentional, detail-oriented and requires no physical effort. Meaning, it’s a great way to get extra mental reps.
We can use imagery to picture ourselves doing just about anything. From throwing and hitting certain pitches while simulating at bats, making plays in the field, getting reads on a pitcher while we’re on base. If you can do it on the field, in the cage, in the bullpen, wherever it might be, you can see it while practicing imagery. When practicing it, it’s important that we see ourselves performing tasks successfully, but it’s also important that we see ourselves responding well to adversity. If you’re a pitcher, see yourself give up a hit and then see yourself going through a refocus routine and staying committed to every pitch and dominating the zone with batters on the bases. If you’re a hitter, see yourself go down 0-2 in the count and spoil pitches until you get the one you want.
This is one of the easiest ways that you can rehearse pressure moments and help yourself build confidence to come through when it matters most. When practicing imagery, it’s also important to include your senses. You can most effectively set the scene not just by making a note of what you might see in the moment but what you might hear, smell, and touch too. Overall, if you’re looking for a way to learn and maintain skills more effectively, build confidence, focus clearly and improve performance, imagery is the tool for you.