Effectiveness of Mental Training Program on Pitching Accuracy and Speed of Young Baseball Athletes

Abstract

Research on the determinants of pitching performance in young baseball athletes has largely focused on anthropometric, biomechanical, and pitch-count factors, while psychological factors remain under-explored. Although increased pitch counts are associated with higher pitching velocity, they also elevate the risk of shoulder and elbow injuries. This study aimed to examine the effect of a mental training program on pitching accuracy and velocity of baseball athletes aged 12–15 years. A pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design was employed with 10 pitchers selected via total sampling. The intervention consisted of a 16-session mental training program conducted over four weeks, covering relaxation, goal setting, self-talk, imagery, and pre-performance routines. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Hedges' g, bootstrap confidence intervals, and the minimal detectable change (MDC95). Results showed significant improvements in accuracy and velocity. All athletes demonstrated improvement, with seven exceeding the MDC95 threshold. No velocity-accuracy trade-off was observed. These findings support mental training as a strategy to enhance pitching performance without increasing pitching load, although the findings require confirmation in controlled studies.