Blinking/Flinching

[bob jenkins]

Practice. Put on the gear and have someone throw tennis balls at you. Start with gentle tosses, followed by weak throws followed by harder throws.

[David B]

Originally Posted by bob jenkins

Practice. Put on the gear and have someone throw tennis balls at you. Start with gentle tosses, followed by weak throws followed by harder throws.

This really works well, and I would add that as the ball leaves F1's hand really make a point to concentrate on the ball all the way to the mitt.

That will help keep the eyes open.

Thanks
David

[jdmara]

One of my good friends since high school is the coach of one of the local high schools. I thought about asking him if he would mind if during batting practice we set up a screen behind the batter and had the rookie stand behind the screen in his stance. Even though the screen is in from of him, I believe that the fact the ball is coming towards him would be of some help.

-Josh

[JFlores]

Sometimes i have that problem as well, what I do is I just breathe normally and dont look at the pitcher till he is set, when he is about to pitch, I breathe in and hold it till the ball reaches the mitt...seems to work, I also find myself not moving as much when I am working the scissor, dont know why.

[Rcichon]

I have used is to blink several times during the pitch (in the time you're watching for the balk), then hold the eyes open maybe a little wider than usual, and tell yourself, "DO NOT BLINK".

It takes some time but it seems to work for me.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Whenever I found myself getting a little flinchy, I would tell myself that I'm just a spectator with the best seat in the house, and to just relax and watch the pitch like I would if I were behind the fence. Works everytime.

[NYBLUE]

Originally Posted by Rcichon

I have used is to blink several times during the pitch (in the time you're watching for the balk), then hold the eyes open maybe a little wider than usual, and tell yourself, "DO NOT BLINK".

It takes some time but it seems to work for me.

I work fastpitch, not hardball, but this is what works for me.

[mbyron]

Originally Posted by JFlores

Sometimes i have that problem as well, what I do is I just breathe normally and dont look at the pitcher till he is set, when he is about to pitch, I breathe in and hold it till the ball reaches the mitt...seems to work, I also find myself not moving as much when I am working the scissor, dont know why.

It is more relaxing to breathe out and hold as the pitcher begins his delivery.

[JFlores]

Originally Posted by mbyron

It is more relaxing to breathe out and hold as the pitcher begins his delivery.

I think your right.

[tibear]

Originally Posted by JFlores

Sometimes i have that problem as well, what I do is I just breathe normally and dont look at the pitcher till he is set, when he is about to pitch, I breathe in and hold it till the ball reaches the mitt...seems to work, I also find myself not moving as much when I am working the scissor, dont know why.

If you don't look at the pitcher until he is set, how do you know when to look???

Always keep your eye on the ball.....ALWAYS.

You'll be in deep doodoo if something happens while you're "not looking". What are you going to tell the coach, "Sorry coach, I don't watch the ball until the pitcher is set."