Crazy as it sounds…

Journals are one of the fastest and most effective ways I’ve learned to “Teach Pitchers How To Teach Themselves.” I’ve been journaling for almost 11 years now and my library now includes 381 journals.

Honestly, it’s to the point now that I FEEL anxiety when my journals aren’t at arm’s length.

But, the majority of players and coaches never stop to focus on why a journal is important. Why? Because they’re not cool. Journal entries don’t get retweets or shares…only drills.

Sad thing is…A journal is much more powerful than any pitching drill and here’s why.

• Journals increase your level of focus and clarity. Whenever you find something that works for you, write it down.
• Journals increase your ability to comprehend and think through movements by establishing cues in your own words.
• Journals are a gateway into the player’s mind. In fact, I refuse to review a video from any of my campers unless there journals are attached. Why?

 
Because I know the brain controls every single move they make.

They allow me to learn the player’s language, to grasp a clearer insight into how the players perceives and describes the movements in his own words. (This allows me to communicate back to him using his/her own language). Journals provide details into the mind of the player and allow me to see first-hand what the player has been focusing on since his last visit with me.

After doing this “pitching thing” at such a high-level over the past 20 years, I’ve realized one thing.

1. The best players Compete in Empty Rooms.
2. They do today what others won’t and it’s why they’re able to do tomorrow what others can’t.
3. They take ownership of their own careers.

 
Let’s be honest here, my players are a direct reflection of me.

If players aren’t willing to take the extra 3 or 4 minutes a day to track and review what they’ve done that particular day, they don’t love it enough to be great.

So, my advice for those guys is simple.

• Pick another sport.
• Choose something that’s important enough to you that the small things matter.
• Choose something you’ve got a burning desire and passion for.

 
Because at the end of the day, if you truly want to be great…

You’re going to take the time to journal.

At the end of the day, my job as a pitching coach is…

Teaching pitchers to teach themselves and the journal is step 1 inside the process of player development.
 
Here’s a journal I highly recommend you invest in.  It was created by my good friend and one of the most respected baseball coaches in the country, Xan Barksdale.  (Disclaimer: I get $0 for any sales on this product).
 

 

Trust what you FEEL!