Why Over Thinking Leads to Throwing Problems

How to Throw Intuitively

One challenge for ball players with the throwing yips is getting caught up in a cycle of over thinking. I think it starts the yips cycle.

Ball plays will:

Overthink what their arm is doing…

Overthink their mechanics…

Overthink what others might think…

And overthink the outcome of a bad throw.

All this over thinking starts the yips cycle and keeps players stuck, but they continue to search for answers—all in the wrong places. They don’t consider the mind is the missing piece.

Here’s what Brett wrote to say about his situation as a coach throwing BP:

“My playing days are over, but I am now coaching and have a tough time throwing accurate bp and throwing to my players. I’ve just had a hard time throwing without any thoughts. I constantly am thinking about throwing the ball away, my mechanics, judgement, etc. If you have any advice to help, I’d appreciate it.”

This is super typical of players that are trying to regain control of their throwing action. Brett is focused on all the wrong areas when throwing.

Remember, focusing on negative outcomes is what kicks in the fear. I’m not talking about just the fact of making a bad throw, but also the aftermath of making a bad throw such as:

-Will I embarrass myself again?

-Will coach pull me from the game?

-Will I lose my starting position?

-Will my teammates not respect my skills?

Why is this so difficult to overcome? These fears are core issues for many ball players. For example, if I want to be seen as a star on my team, I would hate to lose star points because I can’t throw back to the pitcher or make a play at first base.

How do you unravel this over thinking and start to quiet the mind?

First, you have to understand what your core fear is about making a bad throw. What does this mean to your place on the team and how you think others will judge you?

Second, you have to address this fear head on and start to rationalize with yourself about your fears. In many cases, your fears are irrational.

Third, you have to stop focusing on what your arm is doing. I call this a hyper focus on your arm in space, which leads to extreme over control–and then feeling out of control.

Instead, go back to intuitive throwing–just like when you threw the ball as a young player.

If you’re struggling with your throwing this fall, now is the time to overcome this challenge. Don’t wait until you start the spring season to deal with it or hope it just goes away.

And if you want more help with overcoming the lob throw, contact me about one-on-one mental coaching for the yips.


Yips CureBreaking The Yips Cycle Audio

If you can throw well when alone, but can’t take it to games, this is a mental game issue and not a physical challenge!

The Yips Cycle is a vicious cycle that causes ball players to stay trapped in over thinking and over control…

Learn to throw or pitch freely again with my proven audio and workbook program:

Breaking The Yips Cycle: Mental Strategies to Improve Confidence & Throw Freely Again

Breaking The Yips Cycle” is a complete brain dump of the TOP Eight mental training sessions I do with my personal coaching students to help them overcome the yips and play with freedom again.

The Audio and Workbook Program Includes:

  • Two CDs (CD purchase only). 120 minutes of mental training sessions to help you gain greater freedom, focus on the right performance cues, and simplify your prepitch routines.
  • MP3 Audio (Digital Download). 120 minutes of mental training sessions you can download to your computer right away while you wait for the CDs and workbook to arrive. (MP3 Audio value = $149).
  • An 8-Session Breaking The Yips Cycle Workbook to guide you through my mental game sessions and to overcome the throwing yips (Workbook value: $149.00).
  • Bonus Session: Practice drills to free up your throwing to help you improve consistency and stop focusing on mechanics when you play.

Learn more about Breaking The Yips Cycle…


Get Expert Mental Game Coaching for Yips!

Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.

You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!

What are our mental coaching students saying?

“I Felt I Was Throwing Completely Free”*

“Today was a really good day. I felt I was throwing completely free, had maybe one or two tense throws and after coach told me it looked very good.”*
~Chris Fetters

“Your Response To The Throwing Problem Covers Many Situations In Life”*

“Your response to the throwing problem in front of the coach covers so many situations in life…that is the beauty of playing sports…the life learning experiences. Keep up the good work…you are the best coach.”*
~Bill Brennan


Disclaimer

*Testimonials found on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients, and what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. No compensation was provided for these testimonials.

2 thoughts on “Why Over Thinking Leads to Throwing Problems”

  1. I have no confidence in my throws to the mound or short throws in general. I over think to much, I feel pressured and get anxiety. I do not know why this happened all of the sudden because this is weird to me. I need to be fixed and I don’t know how it is possible to get out of this.

    Reply
    • Most of the time, the anxiety/fear is about missing a throw. And worrying about what others will think, such as teammates, coach, or people is the stands. Work on the practice drills I provided and let me know.

      Reply

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