From Average to Elite:
React Less and Respond More

Do you only respond (swing) to the pitch you know you can hit or react to the pitch the pitcher is throwing - especially in the strike zone? Most batters react to the pitch a pitcher is throwing. They swing at any pitch thrown in the strike zone – and that’s bad.

Reactions are done on impulse, without putting much thought into it or considering what the end result may be – not tactical. A response is more thoughtful and done with reasoning – tactical.

Reacting in emergency situations involving life and death to protect one’s self is understandable for survival. But it’s when we react rather than respond in just about every other situation, we inhibit the potential outcome. You see, reactions are defensive. When we react, we actually aren’t choosing and aren’t in control. But when we respond, we are making a choice because we are in control. Again, it’s about being tactical.

For example, when a batter associates a pitch location(s) they know they can crush and only swings at those pitches, they’ll be fast and have a more successful and appropriate response. But if a batter waits to react to whatever pitch is thrown, they will take extra milliseconds to sort out what to do. Which leads to indecisions, late swings (misses), foul balls and poor contact. What most coaches, trainers, parents and players don’t understand is that the quickness with which you initiate movement is a mental aspect that requires training specificity and mental focus.

Having the Right Approach

​​In baseball, having the right approach at the plate is key to being a great hitter. A hitter who swings at anything in the strike zone is not making smart decisions. They are allowing the pitcher to dictate their approach, which is a recipe for inconsistency. A hitter who knows their strengths and patiently waits for the right pitch is more likely to make solid contact and get on base. This is the difference between reacting and responding. 

The best hitters have a game plan before they step into the batter’s box. They understand what pitches they handle best and look for those pitches to drive. This requires discipline and the ability to control emotions. A hitter who simply reacts to every pitch in the zone is not thinking ahead, not playing strategically, and not maximizing their potential. Responding means taking a moment—even if it’s a split second—to assess the situation and make a calculated decision.

Baseball is a game of adjustments. Pitchers are constantly changing speeds, hitting different locations, and trying to keep batters off balance. A hitter who responds rather than reacts is in a much better position to make adjustments. They recognize patterns, anticipate pitches, and use their mental preparation to gain an edge. A hitter who only reacts is playing right into the pitcher’s hands.

Respond (not react) to Slow the Game Down

One of the most important mental aspects of hitting is learning how to slow the game down. Players who react tend to feel rushed, overwhelmed, and anxious at the plate. They may swing at bad pitches, get fooled by off-speed pitches, or chase pitches outside the strike zone. When a player responds, they take control of their at-bat. They don’t let the pitcher speed them up. They stay focused on their plan and execute it with confidence.

Mental preparation plays a huge role in developing a response-driven approach. Players who visualize their at-bats, study pitchers, and practice mostly with live pitching are more likely to make smart decisions at the plate. They trust their preparation, stick to their approach, and avoid falling into the trap of reacting impulsively.

A great example of responding rather than reacting can be seen in the way elite hitters vs. less elite hitters handle counts with less than two-strikes. Lesser hitters often swing at anything in or close to the strike zone.  This is a reaction. Elite hitters, on the other hand, adjust their approach and focus on making solid contact by only swinging at pitches in their “hot zone” – the ones they know they can crush – laying off all other pitches; even if they are in the strike zone (See video below this article – Freddie Freeman game winning World Series HR responding example).

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Another area where this concept applies is fielding. A fielder who reacts to a ground ball without proper preparation may misjudge the hop, take a bad angle, or rush a throw. A fielder who responds, however, has already anticipated where the ball might go, gets into the proper position, and makes a controlled play. This ability to think ahead and prepare mentally is what separates good players from great players.

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Coaches, Trainers and Parents

Coaches, trainers and parents should emphasize the importance of responding over reacting from an early age. Drills should not primarily focus on mechanics, but also on the mental side of the game. Players should be encouraged to develop routines, visualize success, and approach each at-bat or play with a clear plan in mind.

They also play a role in helping athletes develop a response-driven mindset. Encouraging patience, discipline, and self-control helps players build confidence and trust in their abilities. It’s important for both coaches and parents to focus on process over results. Hitting for example, teaching athletes to stay mentally engaged and make smart choices rather than just swinging at every pitch in the strike zone with less than two strikes.

Failure Often Comes Down to Mental Discipline

At the professional level, the difference between success and failure often comes down to mental discipline. Major League hitters who can control their emotions, stick to their approach, and respond to each situation with intelligence and focus are the ones who succeed. Those who react impulsively and let their emotions take over struggle to maintain consistency.

The ability to respond rather than react also extends beyond baseball. In life, making thoughtful, intentional decisions is a crucial skill. Whether in school, relationships, or careers, people who take time to respond wisely tend to be more successful than those who simply react to circumstances.

In pressure situations, the best players remain calm  and  composed.  They don’t allow fear or frustration to dictate their decisions. They trust their training, make calculated choices, and stay in control. This mindset is what allows them to thrive in high-stakes moments.

Conclusion

Ultimately, baseball is a game of strategy, patience, and mental toughness. The best players know that reacting impulsively leads to inconsistency and frustration, while responding thoughtfully leads to success. By training the mind as much as the body, players can elevate their game and gain a true competitive edge.

To be successful at the plate, it’s not just about being aggressive. It’s about being tactically aggressive. It’s being responsive – not reactive.

For more in-depth training on all mental skills and physical training, email Coach Helke. Free initial consult can be done in-person or virtually. Initial training is available in the Hitting Training Section of the Baseball Education Center. Accompanying video example below.

Disclaimer

The content provided is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the mental skill strategies and techniques shared here supports performance and mindset development, they are not a replacement for professional care.

If you are experiencing persistent stress, anxiety, depression, or any other mental health concerns, we strongly encourage you to seek guidance from a qualified licensed mental health professional. If you are in crisis or need immediate support, please reach out to a licensed professional, crisis hotline, or medical provider.

By using the mental skill strategies and techniques presented, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own mental and emotional well-being and that the strategies and techniques shared here are intended as supplementary tools, not medical advice.

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