Repetition

In my experience, repetition is the foundation of being successful in the game of baseball. One cannot have consistent success in this game without it. Everything from a hitter's pre-at-bat routine, a pitcher's delivery, an outfielder making a bang-bang assist or a baserunner taking a lead. It is all done with repetition. Repetition allows a player to have the game become almost second nature to him. Players who appear as though the game comes easy to them have achieved a state of habit that allows their bodies to react naturally based on the repetitions they have put in through practice and play.

For a pitcher to have a chance at being successful beyond high school, he has to repeat his delivery. There are two main reasons for this:
- Hitters recognizing pitch- Ex: Dropping arm on a slider vs. having a high arm slot on FB's
- Making pitch-by-pitch adjustment vs. game-to-game. Repetition increases a pitcher's feel for his delivery and allows him to make pitch-to-pitch adjustments as opposed to game-to-game adjustments.

For hitters, it is probably even more important to have a routine and stick to it. Watch the best hitters in the game, and you will notice that they repeat everything from their swings in the on-deck circle to their routine in the box. Chase Utley is a classic example of this. Many people "knock" how late he readies his hands as the pitcher delivers; but, this actually allows him to know where his hands are every time as a pitcher is on the verge of delivering the ball. It is as if everything the pitcher does up to that point is irrelevant. It also keeps his hands very relaxed and allows them to be as fast as possible, consistently.

The best base stealers in the game know exactly how far off of either first or second they are. Most will have a standard lead (ex: right left right left square) and an aggressive lead (ex: right left right left half shuffle square). Either way, repetition allows them to know two things. One, how far they have to dive to return to first; and two, how far they must run to second. It sounds easy, but you will be amazed at the number of runners that either have no chance to get back or no chance to steal a bag because of not practicing their leads.

As a baseball player moves to higher levels in the game, he will find that there is not a wide gap in the talent among the players. The players who continue to climb in this game are the ones who are consistent. Consistency comes from quality repetitions in both games and practice. To wrap up this post, here are some ways to practice repeating important aspects of your game:

1. Play catch with a purpose. - Most of your throws will be in pregame or practice. Throw with proper mechanics and have your partner hold his glove in various positions. Hit the target as often as you can, and youll be amazed at your increased feel for commanding the baseball

2. Towel drill. - Take a small towel or wound up t-shirt. Hold it with a baseball grip and work on repeating your arm action and delivery. This provides a small amount of resistance, but not the same amount as throwing a baseball; thus, reducing stress on your arm. The towel also acts as a marker of where your release point is. Put a chair or stool 5 or so feet in front of you and try to hit it in the same spot every time.

3. Dry swings in front of a mirror. See what you look like. Notice things about your balance, rhythm, stride and hand position. Do you repeat these things? Visualize the pitch being inside/out. As well as fastballs/sliders/changeups.

--Another variation of this is to have someone sit in a chair where the catcher would be and hold a baseball in various locations. Practice your swing path in the mirror; repeating the feel of the various swings.