Stepping Outside the Bubble

Stepping outside the Bubble is a way for a player to concentrate and focus during a game.
Using a Bubble is done in a couple of easy steps.

First, when a player goes out onto the field, they need to draw an imaginary circle, or
mark the ground, where they will be standing every time the pitcher goes into the wind up.

This is your “Bubble”.

While you are in your Bubble, you are completely and totally focused.

Your entire attention is on the pitch and play that’s coming up.

Your Bubble will block out all other outside distractions.

Distractions like:
    - The weather.
    - The fans.
    - The other team’s dugout.
    - The pain or discomfort of an injury.
    - The thought of a mistake you just made.
    - Thoughts about family problems, a big test in school, your driver’s exam.
    - Thoughts about the great play you just made.
    - Thoughts about what could happen two plays from now.
    - Etc., etc., etc.

Your Bubble is that spot on the field you dream about.
It’s the spot on the field that so important to you and why you love playing this game.
It’s the same spot on the field where great players have stood before you.
But now, right at this moment, just as the pitcher gets ready to pitch...it’s YOUR spot!

You know the pitch count.
You know the outs.
You know where base runners are.
And, you KNOW the next ball is coming right to you!
 

How does this Bubble work?

After each pitch, take a step backwards, out of your Bubble and:

1. Locate the runners on base and determine the outs and ask yourself;

            “If this ball comes to me, what am I going to do with it”

2. Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.
3. Talk to yourself about how to prevent repeating an error you just made.
4. Tell yourself that those idiots in the other dugout don’t know how to cheer.
5. Wish that your mom or dad would stop trying to coach you from the bleachers.
6. Locate the runners on base and determine the outs AGAIN and ask yourself;

            “If this ball comes to me, what am I going to do with it?”

You’ve got about 10 seconds to do all of that.

Make sure that the first and last thing you do is

Locate the runners on base and determine the outs and ask yourself;

“If this ball comes to me, what am I going to do with it?”

Next, once your done “talking to yourself” and you’ve located the runners on base
and you know how many outs there are and you’ve answered the question;

“If this ball comes to me, what am I going to do with it?” and

just before the pitcher goes into their delivery do the following---very deliberately:

1. Take a step forward and into your Bubble.
2. Set up in the perfect ‘ready’ position.
3. Completely eliminate all distracting thoughts from your mind
4. Tune in and Focus.

When you are in a Bubble, focus on…