Pay Attention ...

Coach Wolforth recently challenged us all to "pay attention.' It sounds trite and trivial, but how much do you really pay attention? We are all so distracted by cell phones, texting, TVs in every restaurant, etc. There are distractions everywhere. And then we hunt more down.

But, to be excellent ... you must pay attention. Here are 10 ... or 11 ... things (a non-exhaustive list, for sure) to pay attention to on the baseball field:

1) Pay attention to where the baseball is going and where you want it to go. Are you really acquiring a target with every throw? Are you getting a target each time? If so, guess what? Bad throws while warming up will be rare. Bad throws during a game will be cut down dramatically, as well. Pay attention to whether each throw hits the target. Count makes and misses. Do this for 10 minutes and compare to how you have been throwing. Add following your throws and see what happens.

Likewise, are you paying attention to the baseball when you are hitting? Pay attention with your eyes. Be conscious with good broad- to fine-focus. Practice paying attention and do this every time you hit, whether in practice or in a game.

2) Pay attention to what is happening during BP. What are you trying to do? Are you working on your two-strike approach? Pay attention to whether it is working and why. Did you hit the ball hard where it wants to go? Know every time. Pay attention. Did you look for your pitch and find it in count cage? Know the answer to this.

3) Pay attention when you are in the dugout. Pay attention to the opposing pitcher's patterns, both with pitches and moves to first. Can you pick up an opposing sign or trend? Yes, you can, if you pay attention. Eyes and ears on the field, and pay attention.

4) Pay attention to any coach or player when they are communicating on the field. If some one is communicating info, then they believe it is important. Rather than daydreaming or thinking about what you want to say, pay attention. Learn something. Always be paying attention and learning.

5) Pay attention while others are getting instruction (it's like free correction, but less painful), and also pay attention while others are playing to learn from what they do well or otherwise.

6) Pay attention to game situations (realize and remind; situation and say it again) and hammer these into your brain like a news ticker. Decide what you will/can do before the play starts and be ready. Like acquiring the target when throwing, this technique is proven to dramatically reduce mistakes.

7) Pay attention to what the opponent is doing while you are on the field. Many clues are contained as to what is coming, if you will only look. See an OF who looks strangely out of position? There may be a pickoff play coming. Is an infielder shading in a different place than previously? It might be a clue as to what type of pitch is coming.

8) Pay attention to how your performance and AB's go. Get in the habit of reviewing your mound and plate performances intelligently. For instance, with your at-bats, ask: What was I trying to do? What went right/wrong? What do I want to do next time? Do this every time. Pay attention, and know what to pay attention to.

9) Pay attention to signs, and make it part of your routine and habit to get the sign early and often. This is a simple decision to make; and

10) Pay attention to your routine and preparation ... what works? Pay attention to find whatever clues or common denominators you can between good and bad performance, i.e., food, sleep, pregame exercises and warm-up, self-talk, everything. Pay attention.

Okay, here's a bonus:

11) Pay attention to the emotional state of yourself (and others) during competition. When you sense you are getting too amped, bring it on down. Conversely, if the game is "out of hand" and you sense the feeling that you or your teammates might be relaxing a bit too much, then amp it up. Stay at a proper focus and emotional level at all times, regardless of the situation. Pay attention and make the appropriate adjustment.

Know what is happening and why. You can. Just ...

Pay attention.