Mental Mound

The Mental Checklist

The "between-everything" loop. Simple words, same order, every pitch—whether you're hitting, on deck, on defense, or on base. No pitch happens until you run the loop.

Routine Loop

The 10-Second "Reset Loop"

Use before every pitch

1. Breathe

One slow inhale and exhale to center yourself.

2. Score it

Outs? Score? Inning? Know the game state.

3. Situation

Where’s the play? Force? Tag? Cutoff?

4. Your job

"If ball comes to me, I do ___." Say it in your head.

5. Pre-pitch ready

Athletic stance, eyes locked, quiet hands.

"Ready... read... react."
Defense

Defense Checklist

Between pitches

A) Know the '3 Calls'

  • ■Outs (say out loud): 'One out!'
  • ■Runner locations: 'Runner on first!'
  • ■Play goal: 'Two at second!' / 'Get the lead!'

B) Where's the play? (quick decision)

  • ■Force or tag?
  • ■Where is the lead runner?
  • ■If hit left/right/at me—where do I go?

C) Pre-pitch physical ready

  • ■Feet set (balanced, not standing tall)
  • ■Glove out front
  • ■Eyes: pitcher's hand → contact
  • ■Mindset: 'First move is forward.'

D) If ball is NOT to you

  • ■Move with the ball (shift a few steps)
  • ■Back up something (throw, base, teammate)
  • ■Be a loud helper: 'Ball!' 'Cut!' 'Two!'
Hitting

Hitting Checklist

Before every pitch

A) Step-in routine (same every time)

  • ■Look at coach (signs/green light).
  • ■Pick a plan: 'Hard line drive to middle.'
  • ■Pick a zone: 'I'm hunting middle-in.'
  • ■Feet set (same stance spot).
  • ■One cue: 'See it early' / 'Short to it'.

B) While pitcher gets ready

  • ■Yes-Yes-Yes mindset (assume strike until it's not)
  • ■Track release point
  • ■Timing: small rhythm move

C) After each pitch (the reset)

  • ■If strike/ball doesn't matter → step out and breath.
  • ■If late: 'Start sooner.'
  • ■If early: 'Wait longer.'
  • ■If chase: 'Smaller zone.'
  • ■If good take: 'Do it again.'
  • ■Step back in → same routine.

D) Two-strike plan

  • ■Wider base, shorter swing
  • ■Protect middle
  • ■Battle mindset: 'Put it in play.'
Infield

Infield Mini-Checklist

If it comes to me

  • ■Get behind it (beat the hop).
  • ■Secure it (two hands if you can).
  • ■Quick peek (target base).
  • ■Right throw (firm, accurate, don't rush).
  • ■After throw: move to backup/cover immediately.
Outfield

Outfield Checklist

Between pitches

  • ■Depth: 'No doubles' or 'Play in' (confirm with coach).
  • ■Where are the runners? (know the throw).
  • ■Ball off bat: first 2 steps are read steps, not drifting.
  • ■If not to you: backup + be a voice.
Routine

On-Deck Circle

Pre-at-bat

  • ■Know situation: outs + runners + score.
  • ■How aim I being pitched? (fast/slow, strikes).
  • ■What do we need? (move runner, sac fly).
  • ■Time the pitcher (match his rhythm).
  • ■Last 2 swings: line drives, not home-run swings.
Baserunner

Base Runner

Before every pitch

Pre-Pitch

  • ■Outs (affects risk).
  • ■Coach's sign (steal/hold/read).
  • ■Lead + return plan (steps, dive or stand-up).
  • ■Ball location awareness (quick move? catcher arm?).

On Contact

  • ■Ground ball: freeze/read.
  • ■Line drive: freeze/read.
  • ■Fly ball: tag/halfway based on outs.
Mental Toughness

Mistake Recovery

The mental toughness piece

  • ■Flush it fast: one breath + one sentence → next pitch.
  • ■No double mistakes (error is allowed; quitting isn't).
  • ■Body language is a skill: head up, jog, ready posture.
  • ■Talk helps: quick 'my bad' + 'I'm good' and move on.
Coachability

Coachability

What scouts love

  • ■Calls outs loud.
  • ■Asks the right questions: 'Where's the play?'
  • ■Runs the same routine when winning or losing.
  • ■Plays fast between pitches (mentally and physically).
  • ■Next pitch focus (not last pitch emotion).