The Baseball Observer - Aug/ Sept 2018
22
Developing a Navy Seal Mindset on the pitcher’s mound
I had the pleasure of visiting home of the Navy Seals training facility last summer. I learned a lot about what how and why the Seals train the way they do. SEAL training designed to test your mental mettle. It is designed to push you mentally to the brink, over and over again, until you are hardened and able to take on any task with confidence, regardless of the odds- or until you break. This mettle is also a quality needed to succeed on the pitcher’s mound. Let’s take a look at how pitchers can learn from the SEALS.
#1. One bite at a time:
When SEALS are faced with a daunting challenge they say “Eat the elephant. “ What? How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Imagine the situation: You’re on the mound, the bases are loaded, no outs. What do you do? How do you get out of this situation? “Eat the Elephant” by making one pitch at time.
#2- Visualize Success:
Prior to any mission the SEALS go on they imagine a successful outcome. They imagine the entire mission in vivid detail making it as real as possible. They see themselves being successful over and over in their minds despite any situation they may be presented with.
#3 - Emotional Control :
The SEALS understand the MIND –BODY connection. The SEALS are trained to use their breath when their emotional system kicks in. They use the 4x4x4 technique. Breathe in to a count of 4, out to a count of 4 and they do this 4 times.
#4 – Non- reactive:
“Men are disturbed not by things, but the view they take of them.”
The Seals understand what they can and can’t control. Do you? Do you view situations as a challenge or a threat?
#5 - Small victories:
The SEALS understand small victories keep morale and motivation high. Don’t be overly critical of yourself and your performance. Look for small victories. Recall the things you did well.
Adapted from Bulletproof Mind: 6 Secrets of Mental Toughness from the Navy SEALS- Charles Chu 11/25/16
[Adapted from Bulletproof Mind: 6 Secrets of Mental Toughness from the Navy SEALS- Charles Chu 11/25/16]