As pitchers progress throughout the various levels of their career, they will find that breaking ball command is a huge separator between success and failure. If you're struggling to control your breaking ball, it might not be the grip or the way you throw it. Instead, it could be where your eyes are set. By changing your reference point and focusing your eyes on a specific spot, you can consistently throw your breaking ball in the zone.
What we've found is that it's not the grip or the way the athlete throws the slider but where his eyes are set at. If your eyes are set on the catcher's mitt one of two things will happen: 1. You'll glove side spike it or 2. You'll throw a bad loopy slider right down the middle. If your eyes are set right down the middle for your slider you either have a really bad breaking ball or you probably miss glove side a lot. Ultimately, you need to move your eyes up and arm side to consistently throw sliders in the zone.
Let's use NASCAR as an example. One technique that many NASCAR drivers use to improve their performance on the track is the use of reference points. By identifying specific points on the track as reference points, drivers can improve their steering and braking, navigate turns with greater precision, and ultimately shave valuable seconds off their lap times.
What are Reference Points?
Reference points are specific visual cues that drivers use to help guide their car around the track. These cues can be anything from a marker on the track, such as a line or a cone, to a natural feature of the landscape, such as a tree or a building. By using these points as reference, drivers can adjust their driving line, braking, and acceleration to optimize their speed and control.
Using Reference Points in NASCAR Racing:
In NASCAR racing, reference points play a critical role in a driver's performance on the track. Drivers use reference points to help them navigate the turns and corners of the track with precision, and to make quick, informed decisions based on what they see. By focusing their eyes on a specific point on the track, such as an apex or a braking point, drivers can anticipate the movements of the car and make precise adjustments as needed.
According to an article on NASCAR.com, reference points are essential for drivers to navigate the track at high speeds: "Reference points help drivers to get their car in the right position to enter, navigate and exit the turns in the shortest distance and quickest time possible." By using reference points, drivers can optimize their speed and control, and ultimately improve their lap times and position in the race.
Examples of Reference Points:
There are a wide variety of reference points that NASCAR drivers use on the track. Some drivers may use visual markers, such as painted lines or cones, while others may use natural features of the track, such as trees or grandstands. According to an article on Road & Track, driver Clint Bowyer uses a unique reference point when entering a turn at the Kentucky Speedway: "Bowyer uses a bright blue seatbelt, which he lines up with a crack in the wall on the inside of the turn."
Ultimately, whether it's on the racetrack or on the mound, reference points play a critical role in an athlete's performance. By using specific visual cues, athletes can optimize their speed, control, and precision to achieve success. If you're a pitcher looking to improve your breaking ball command, consider adjusting your reference point and see how it can improve your performance on the mound. If you're interested in improving your breaking ball command or overall pitching performance, reach out to training@connected-performance.com today. Our team of expert trainers can help you develop the skills and techniques necessary to take your game to the next level.