The on deck circle is one of three very important phases of your game day hitting routine. Some say it is the most important phase. Coaches compared the on deck circle to starting blocks in a track event, or the huddle in a football game. Either way, it is an extremely important part of your preparation as hitter, once the game begins.
Hitting begins in the dugout –Phase 1–continues into the on-deck circle–Phase 2–and into the box–Phase 3.
Almost every hitting coach feels the same about one point: thinking and planning occur during Phase 1 and Phase 2, but never during Phase 3.
The batter’s box should be a non-thinking zone.
Ken Ravizza, the noted sport psychology instructor for USA Softball and the California Angels tells us that when you step between the those four lines marking the batters box, you clear your head of all thoughts, except “see the ball–hit the ball”.
Rogers Hornsby, the hall of famer from the thirties, who was one of the top hitters of all time, spent valuable time studying the pitcher from the dugout and equal time with his pre-pitch routine in the on deck circle. When he stepped into the box, his only thought was “I feel sorry for the pitcher.”
You should study the pitcher in the dugout, learn her routine, and especially how often she throws the off speed. Look for any tips that might tell you when a specific pitch is coming. Most pitchers tip their pitches. Be observant.
Then develop a routine for the on deck circle. Make it a consistent routine that allows you to relax and prepare both mentally and physically to face the pitcher. Visualization could be part of your preparation both in the dugout and in the on deck circle.
When you step in the box, you should be relaxed, free of thought and ready to react. You want to be totally focused on one thing–seeing the ball and executing. The batters box should be a tension free “No Thinking Zone.”
My advice to each player is to develop a strategy for hitting. Start in the dugout, continue into the on-deck circle and ultimately into the box. Hitting is really 3 things; confidence, discipline, and repetition.
The great hitters are confident as well as disciplined. They have developed a consistent routine that allows them to study, rehearse, focus and release. They trust their preparation, training, and skill. They step into the box believing they are better than the pitcher and knowing they are going to have a great at bat.