How to focus on concentration, just like Nolan Ryan

There are a couple of things you can do on the bump to be more focused -- and successful. This article will focus on one of them: getting your sign from your catcher.

I teach some of the pitchers I work with to look directly at your catcher in your stance, look away as you start you pitching delivery -- and then refocus on the target again when you bring your lift leg into the balance position.

I've always liked how looking down breaks the monotony of staring at the same spot for an extended period of time, which, sometimes, makes it difficult to hit your spots.

I also like how looking down, which is how I pitched when I played professionally, allows you to check your footing and keep your body centered over your core -- an important element in staying balanced and keeping the body properly aligned throughout the primary phases of the pitching delivery.

Nolan Ryan, above right, looked away briefly. And, of course, his mechanics speak for themselves.

Try it, and see if it works for you, too.