Developing mental discipline
A pitcher must be able to control his thoughts, emotions and actions throughout a game. Pitchers should stick with their routine no matter what happens during the game. They cannot work on things during the game, so they need to be under control and have a clear plan on each pitch. The pitcher should always be in control, since the hitter can only react to the pitch being thrown. The pitcher cannot allow a situation to become a factor of intimidation, but rather an opportunity to pitch with self-control and confidence. Some examples of distractions that can affect a pitcher mentally are:
(a) environmental conditions--rain, wind, heat, etc., crowd noise, a poorly maintained mound;
(b) game situations such as a batter calling time out, a baserunner who may be a stealing threat, the umpire missing a few pitches, a teammate making a costly error, a poorly-thrown pitch that results in a base hit and/or a trip to the mound by a coach.

These situations can affect the pitcher mentally and usually will result in loss of concentration. The pitcher who is prepared to handle these situations has already placed himself in similar situations during practice and masters his own mental approach. The pitcher should always be in control, able to pitch in a variety of situations and under all conditions. The ability to set goals and take the necessary steps toward achieving them
All athletes set goals for themselves, but the great ones work harder at aspects that will assist them in reaching those goals. While practicing, pitchers should establish specific goals that they will try to accomplish. Pitching practice should be more than just getting a workout.

While in the bullpen, the pitcher should go through his pregame routine by preparing the body to throw--warming up, stretching and short distance drills. Pitchers should also use this time to practice what they are going to do on the mound--getting used to their pitches, finding a comfort zone, concentrating on staying back, using a good explosion and following through.

This routine is further accomplished by insuring that the last few pitches of the warm-up are thrown at game speed or similar to the first few pitches of the first inning. Visualizing mechanics and release point will further assist in the preparation and reinforce total concentration on the pitching process. Develop a confident approach to pitching
This approach is accomplished by concentrating on the execution rather than on the results. A positive approach to pitching is essential to any good performance. Being able to take it from the bullpen to the game is one of the biggest factors to a pitcher's success. A successful pitcher will be able to take his best stuff out to the mound and pitch with confidence. He should not have any doubt, tension or fear. This approach is accomplished by being totally confident in all of his pitches and his ability to win the battle. A pitcher should believe that he has warmed-up properly and has had ample opportunity to prepare mentally for the delivery of the first pitch. Pitchers do not always need their best stuff to be successful. In fact, most pitchers can get hitters out with poor pitches, since most hitters go up to the plate overly aggressive and swinging at the first pitch. The key, as discussed earlier, is being under control and pitching with confidence. Be aware of the pitcher's rhythm
Rhythm is a primary objective when trying to develop consistency in a pitcher's timing, balance and control. Most pitchers will get into trouble when they begin to work too fast or start to allow situations to bother them. Losing rhythm is usually the first sign of trouble. The use of visualization skills
To be successful, pitchers should learn to visualize their mechanics, rhythm and control. Visualizing before throwing each pitch is an important step for all successful pitchers. They have to be able to see themselves throwing the pitch before they actually throw it! Pitchers have to learn to make visualization a part of their routine, so it needs to be developed and mastered during practice. This skill can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Bullpen work is an excellent time to work on visualization skills. Development and use of relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques improve performance, concentration and confidence. Learning to relax is a useful tool in the pitching process that facilitates necessary adjustments needed throughout a ballgame. Using controlled breathing, stretching, or just taking time out to gather thoughts are techniques that will assist in the relaxation process. Key words or phrases used by the coach are valuable starters for a pitcher to begin using relaxation techniques while pitching. "One pitch at a time ," "smooth and easy," "nice and loose," "stay within yourself," "just let it happen," "see the target and let it go," are some suggested phrases that have been used by coaches. These phrases are also repeated by the pitcher as a means of relaxation, further facilitating the process and assisting the pitcher in gaining control of himself. Develop a technique for evaluating performance
This aspect will assist in teaching pitchers to constructively evaluate what they are doing, either in practice or during games. Most pitchers have a difficult time evaluating their personal performances in a way that will assist them in improving their game. It is not uncommon for pitchers to only see the good things and the results, such as ERA, hits given up, walks and number of strikeouts. These results do not give a clear picture of what happened during the actual outing and the events that transpired leading to these results.