Human nature, I tell my students all the time, is a trap that we need to overcome if we want to become really good hitters or pitchers. Just because we are used to something doesn’t make it right, or even acceptable in the pursuit of higher level performance.
We need to get out of our comfort zone and push the boundaries of what we are really capable of accomplishing.
Why do race car drivers like Dale Earnhardt or Jimmie Johnson go so fast?
They don’t think they are going to crash. They are comfortable being uncomfortable. They are comfortable pushing themselves to beyond what they are used to.
They are willing to stand on the gas and give it all they have.
In fastpitch, the hitter and pitcher both need to adopt the NASCAR mentality. They have got to push the pedal to the metal. They will learn to control that speed and power but without reaching deep and finding that speed they are never going to fulfill their true potential.
Get comfortable being uncomfortable, that is where the real fun is!
About the Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wis. and is now working as a professional softball instructor.
