Routine

Have you ever noticed that we do the same things the sameway most of time? We have routines and specific ways of doing things. For example, I do pretty much the same thing every morning.
6:00 am - Alarm goes off / turn on TV or press snooze!
6:10 am - Get up and stretch
6:15 am - Drink 2 glasses of water
6:20 am - Preparation to go workout
6:30 am - Workout
7:25 am - Post-workout shake and shower
7:50 am - Breakfast
8:00 am - Turn on computer and start my day

I bet you do as well. I bet you can easily write down exactly what you do in which order every morning.Why is that? You see, humans are creatures of habits. They find comfortin establishing routines.Elite softball palyers and coaches do it all the time. Theuse of routine is one of the most widespread practices amongelite softball players and coaches.Performing routines gives them confidence and helps them focus and get in the zone so that they can outperform their opponents on the field.They perform routines before games, between innings andbetween pitches at the plate and on the field.A routine integrates both the mental and the physical aspects. It is a specific way of doing things to stay focus,block distraction and put you in the ideal mindset. Routinesare powerful and you should definitely use them.Here is a sample routine between pitches that you can usebetween pitches if you are a position player.

The 4 "R" Routine- Relax- Read- Rehearse- Ready & React
Relax - after the pitch or the play, take a few steps back,empty your mind from negative thoughts, take a deep breathand exhale slowly, block distractions, stay positive, etc.
Read - what is the situation? how many outs? where are therunners? who's hitting? What is the count?
Rehearse - What do I need to do if I get the ball? Rehearsethe play to do in your head. Visualize a perfect execution.
Ready & React - Take a few steps forward. Creep intoposition as the pitcher delivers the pitch and react to itwith the appropriate play.Performing this kind of routine is extremely helpful to stayrelaxed and focused, block distraction, control thethoughts and the little voice in your head and give youconfidence.Go ahead and develop performance routines for yourself justlike top athletes and coaches do - you will thank me later!