Pitching is an essential skill in many sports, and mastering it requires consistent practice. But is it really necessary to practice pitching every day? The answer is a resounding yes! Daily practice can help you develop the muscle memory and control needed to perform at your best. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the benefits of daily pitching practice and provide tips for making the most of your time on the mound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you take your pitching to the next level. So, let’s get started and learn how to master the art of pitching through daily practice!
Is It Necessary to Practice Pitching Every Day?
The Importance of Consistency in Pitching
Pitching is a skill that requires consistent practice to master. While it may be tempting to take a day off here and there, consistent practice is essential to improve your pitching skills.
One of the main reasons why consistency is important is that it helps to build muscle memory. When you practice pitching regularly, your body becomes accustomed to the motion and can perform it more efficiently. This means that even if you miss a day of practice, your body will still remember the proper form and technique.
Another reason why consistency is crucial is that it allows you to identify and correct any bad habits. If you only practice pitching once in a while, it can be difficult to recognize when you’re making mistakes. However, by practicing regularly, you can become more aware of your body’s movements and make adjustments as needed.
Consistency also helps to build confidence. When you practice something regularly, you become more comfortable with it, and this can translate to your performance in games. If you only practice pitching occasionally, you may feel nervous or unsure of your abilities, which can negatively impact your performance.
In conclusion, consistent practice is essential to mastering the art of pitching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pitcher, taking the time to practice every day can help you improve your skills, build muscle memory, correct bad habits, and build confidence.
Building Muscle Memory and Coordination
When it comes to mastering the art of pitching, practicing every day is crucial to building muscle memory and coordination. Repetition is key to developing the necessary skills to pitch effectively.
Muscle Memory
Muscle memory is the ability of your muscles to remember a specific movement or action and perform it automatically without conscious thought. This is why professional athletes often have a natural ability to perform their sport with ease – their muscles have learned the movements through repetition.
In the context of pitching, muscle memory allows you to perform the mechanics of the pitch without having to think about each individual movement. This allows you to focus on other aspects of pitching, such as accuracy and control.
Coordination
Coordination is the ability to control and integrate multiple movements and actions. In pitching, coordination is crucial to executing a successful pitch. The various movements involved in pitching, such as windup, footwork, and arm swing, must all be coordinated and timed perfectly in order to produce a powerful and accurate pitch.
Regular practice helps to improve coordination by strengthening the neural pathways in the brain that control movement. As you practice pitching, your brain becomes more efficient at coordinating the various movements involved in pitching, leading to improved performance.
Consistency is Key
While it’s important to practice pitching every day, it’s also important to practice consistently. This means setting aside a specific time each day to practice and sticking to that schedule. Consistency helps to build muscle memory and coordination, as your muscles and brain become accustomed to the repetitive movements involved in pitching.
Additionally, consistency helps to prevent injury. By practicing regularly, you can prevent your muscles from becoming overworked or underdeveloped, which can lead to injury.
In conclusion, practicing pitching every day is crucial to building muscle memory and coordination. Regular practice helps to improve the neural pathways in the brain that control movement, leading to improved performance and reduced risk of injury. So, grab a ball and get to practicing!
Developing Mental Toughness and Focus
Developing mental toughness and focus is a crucial aspect of mastering the art of pitching. Pitching requires a great deal of mental fortitude, as pitchers must maintain their composure and focus even in the face of adversity. Daily practice can help develop these mental skills, but it is important to approach practice with the right mindset.
One way to develop mental toughness is to set specific goals for each practice session. These goals should be challenging but achievable, and should be designed to help the pitcher develop the mental skills necessary to succeed on the mound. For example, a pitcher might set a goal to work on maintaining focus during difficult situations, such as when they are behind in the count or facing a dangerous hitter.
Another way to develop mental toughness is to practice visualization techniques. Visualization involves imagining oneself successfully executing a particular skill or task. By visualizing themselves succeeding on the mound, pitchers can build confidence and develop the mental toughness necessary to perform at a high level.
Focus is another important mental skill that can be developed through daily practice. Pitchers must be able to maintain their focus throughout each pitch, regardless of the situation. Daily practice can help develop this focus by requiring pitchers to concentrate on specific aspects of their delivery or mechanics.
One way to improve focus is to use visual cues, such as a spot on the catcher’s helmet or a point on the horizon. These cues can help the pitcher maintain a consistent visual focus and avoid distractions. Additionally, pitchers can use breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques to help them stay focused and calm on the mound.
Overall, developing mental toughness and focus is a critical component of mastering the art of pitching. Daily practice can help pitchers build these skills, but it is important to approach practice with the right mindset and to focus on specific goals and techniques. By developing mental toughness and focus, pitchers can improve their performance on the mound and achieve their full potential as players.
Pitching Techniques to Master
Proper Throwing Mechanics
Proper throwing mechanics are crucial for mastering the art of pitching. To begin with, it is important to understand the kinetic chain involved in the throwing motion. This includes the lower body, core, and upper body working in synchrony to generate power and accuracy.
Here are some key points to focus on when working on proper throwing mechanics:
- Posture: Stand in a tall and balanced position, with your feet shoulder-width apart. Your weight should be evenly distributed on both feet, with your front foot slightly in front of the back foot.
- Setup: Keep your glove side arm down by your side, with your glove facing outward. Your glove hand should be slightly bent, with the thumb facing upward. Your back hand should be raised and slightly bent at the elbow, with the fingers closed around the ball.
- Drive: Driving off the mound, push off with your back leg and transfer your weight towards the target. This should cause your hips to rotate and your torso to unwind, while keeping your shoulders closed.
- Arm action: As you approach the peak of your rotation, bring your arm back and slightly upward, with the elbow bending at a 90-degree angle. Continue to keep your glove side arm down and away from your body.
- Release point: As you reach the top of your arm swing, release the ball towards the target, keeping your arm straight and in line with your shoulder.
- Follow-through: After releasing the ball, continue to extend your arm and follow through towards the target. Your glove hand should be open and extended towards the ground, while your back hand should be open and pointing towards the sky.
By focusing on these key points, you can develop a strong foundation in proper throwing mechanics, which will allow you to effectively master the art of pitching. Remember to practice consistently and make adjustments as needed to ensure optimal performance on the mound.
Grip and Release Points
- Understanding the importance of a proper grip and release point in pitching
Proper grip and release points are essential components of a successful pitch. These elements affect the trajectory, velocity, and accuracy of the ball. To achieve mastery in pitching, it is crucial to understand the significance of a good grip and release point.
- Proper grip techniques for different types of pitches
The grip technique varies for different types of pitches, such as fastballs, curveballs, and changeups. For instance, a four-seam fastball requires a tighter grip on the seams, while a two-seam fastball requires a looser grip with the fingers resting on the seams. Understanding the proper grip technique for each type of pitch is vital to ensure consistent and accurate pitches.
- Exercises to improve grip strength and control
Improving grip strength and control is crucial to mastering the art of pitching. Some exercises that can help improve grip strength and control include:
1. Squeeze balls: These are small rubber balls that can be squeezed to strengthen the hand and fingers.
2. Wrist rolls: These are done by rolling a basketball or a stress ball with the wrist, which helps in building wrist strength.
3. Finger lifts: This exercise involves lifting a small weight using only the fingers, which helps in building finger strength.
4. Grip machines: These are specialized machines that can be used to strengthen the grip and fingers.
- Maintaining proper release point for optimal pitching
A proper release point is crucial to ensuring that the ball moves in the desired trajectory and achieves the desired velocity. To maintain a proper release point, pitchers should focus on keeping their arm slot consistent and in line with their body. They should also ensure that their arm is in a straight position at the point of release, which helps in maximizing velocity and accuracy.
Overall, mastering the art of pitching requires consistent practice and a thorough understanding of the mechanics involved. Proper grip and release points are critical components of pitching, and mastering these techniques can lead to improved accuracy, velocity, and success on the field.
Balancing Speed and Accuracy
Understanding the Importance of Balancing Speed and Accuracy
In pitching, achieving the right balance between speed and accuracy is crucial. The speed of a pitch can have a significant impact on its effectiveness, while accuracy determines whether the ball will reach the target. It is important to note that the optimal speed and accuracy may vary depending on the type of pitch and the specific situation in which it is being used.
Techniques for Achieving the Right Balance
Achieving the right balance between speed and accuracy requires a combination of proper mechanics, technique, and mental focus. Here are some techniques that can help pitchers to achieve the right balance:
- Proper Mechanics: Proper mechanics are essential for achieving the right balance between speed and accuracy. Pitchers should focus on maintaining a smooth and consistent delivery, with a fluid motion that allows them to release the ball at the right speed and location.
- Technique: Developing a consistent and effective pitching technique is key to achieving the right balance between speed and accuracy. Pitchers should focus on mastering the fundamentals of pitching, such as proper grip, stride, and arm action, to ensure that they can maintain control over the speed and direction of the ball.
- Mental Focus: Mental focus is critical for achieving the right balance between speed and accuracy. Pitchers should concentrate on maintaining a clear and focused mindset, with a strong awareness of their mechanics and the situation at hand. This will enable them to make the necessary adjustments to their delivery and maintain control over the speed and accuracy of the ball.
- Practice: Regular practice is essential for developing the skills and confidence needed to achieve the right balance between speed and accuracy. Pitchers should focus on developing a consistent and effective pitching routine, with regular sessions dedicated to practicing specific techniques and drills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, balancing speed and accuracy is a critical aspect of pitching. Pitchers must focus on developing proper mechanics, technique, and mental focus, and regularly practice to achieve the right balance. By mastering these techniques, pitchers can improve their overall performance and increase their chances of success on the field.
Tips for Pitching Practice
Warm-Up and Stretching Routine
As a pitcher, it’s crucial to properly warm up and stretch before each practice or game. This helps to prevent injury, increase flexibility, and improve overall performance. Here are some tips for creating a comprehensive warm-up and stretching routine:
- Start with a light jog or dynamic stretching exercises to get your muscles warmed up and increase blood flow to your joints.
- Focus on stretching the muscles in your shoulders, arms, and upper back. This includes the rotator cuff, biceps, triceps, and latissimus dorsi muscles.
- Take your time when stretching, holding each pose for at least 15-30 seconds to ensure that you are effectively lengthening your muscles.
- Don’t forget to stretch your lower body as well, including your legs, hips, and lower back. This will help improve your balance and stability on the mound.
- Consider incorporating some yoga or Pilates exercises into your routine to further improve your flexibility and core strength.
- Always make sure to stretch both sides of your body equally to prevent imbalances and avoid injury.
Remember, a proper warm-up and stretching routine is essential for optimal performance as a pitcher. Take the time to properly prepare your body before each practice or game to ensure that you are at your best on the mound.
Pitching Drills and Exercises
- Warm-up exercises: Before starting any pitching practice, it is essential to warm up the arm and body to prevent injury. Some warm-up exercises include light jogging, stretching, and throwing at low intensity.
- Long toss: Long toss is a popular drill among pitchers to improve arm strength and endurance. It involves throwing the ball at maximum effort from a set distance, usually around 120-150 feet, and gradually increasing the distance as the arm gets stronger.
- Plyometrics: Plyometrics are explosive exercises that help to improve power and speed. Some plyometric exercises for pitchers include squat jumps, lunges, and bounding.
- Mechanics drills: Mechanics drills are designed to improve the technical aspects of pitching, such as balance, posture, and arm action. Some examples of mechanics drills include ladder drills, balance boards, and medicine ball exercises.
- Grip and release drills: Grip and release drills are designed to improve the grip and release of the baseball, which is critical to pitching accuracy and control. Some examples of grip and release drills include weighted balls, resistance bands, and wrist rollers.
- Fielding drills: Fielding drills are important for pitchers to improve their defensive skills and react quickly to different situations on the field. Some fielding drills include ground ball drills, fly ball drills, and throwing to a specific target.
- Visualization exercises: Visualization exercises are a great way to improve mental focus and concentration during pitching practice. Some visualization exercises include imagining successful pitches, visualizing the hitter’s weaknesses, and picturing the outcome of the pitch.
Remember, practice is key to mastering the art of pitching. It is important to practice regularly, focusing on different aspects of pitching, and to incorporate a variety of drills and exercises into your routine. With dedication and hard work, you can become a better pitcher and reach your full potential on the mound.
Incorporating Feedback and Analysis
Providing and receiving feedback is an essential aspect of pitching practice. Here are some tips on how to effectively incorporate feedback and analysis into your daily pitching routine:
- Establish clear communication with your coach or mentor. Make sure you understand their expectations and what they are looking for in your pitches. This will help you focus on the areas that need improvement and avoid wasting time on things that don’t matter.
- Keep an open mind. Receiving feedback can be uncomfortable, but it’s crucial to your growth as a pitcher. Listen to what your coach or mentor has to say, and be willing to make changes based on their advice.
- Be proactive. Don’t wait for your coach or mentor to give you feedback. Take the initiative to ask for feedback after each pitching session, and use it to improve your performance.
- Analyze your pitches. Take the time to review your pitches and identify areas where you can improve. Look at video footage, use technology like PitchingMetrics, or have a teammate observe your pitches.
- Focus on the process, not the outcome. It’s easy to get caught up in the results of a game or a pitching session, but it’s essential to focus on the process. Remember that the goal of practice is to improve your skills, not to win games.
- Set goals. Establish specific, measurable goals for your pitching practice. This will help you stay focused and motivated, and give you something to work towards.
- Be patient. Improving your pitching skills takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep working hard, and trust that the process will lead to improvement over time.
Injury Prevention and Recovery
Staying Hydrated and Fueling Your Body
Maintaining proper hydration and nourishment is crucial for both injury prevention and optimal performance on the pitching mound. As a pitcher, your body undergoes immense physical stress during each game, and staying adequately hydrated and fueled can significantly impact your endurance, muscle function, and overall health.
To maintain proper hydration, it is essential to consume water regularly throughout the day, particularly before, during, and after physical activity. Adequate water intake helps regulate body temperature, maintain healthy blood volume, and prevent dehydration-related injuries such as heat exhaustion or cramps.
In addition to water, fueling your body with a balanced diet rich in carbohydrates, proteins, and essential nutrients is vital for sustained energy and optimal performance. Consuming a pre-game meal containing complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains or starchy vegetables, can help provide sustained energy during the game. Post-game, it is essential to refuel with a meal that includes carbohydrates and protein to replenish energy stores and support muscle recovery.
It is also important to be mindful of the timing and quantity of food and fluid intake. Consuming large meals or excessive amounts of fluids close to game time can lead to discomfort and digestive issues, which may negatively impact your performance on the mound.
In summary, staying hydrated and fueling your body with proper nutrition is essential for injury prevention and optimal performance as a pitcher. Consuming adequate water, balanced meals, and being mindful of timing and portion sizes can significantly impact your overall health and performance on the field.
Rest and Recovery for Optimal Performance
Effective rest and recovery is crucial for preventing injuries and maintaining optimal performance on the pitch. Pitchers often push themselves to the limit during games and practices, leading to muscle fatigue and soreness. Failure to allow sufficient time for rest and recovery can result in overuse injuries and a decrease in performance.
In order to ensure proper rest and recovery, it is important to prioritize adequate sleep. Aim for at least 7-9 hours of sleep per night to allow the body to repair and rejuvenate itself. Additionally, incorporating a consistent stretching and mobility routine can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
Proper nutrition is also essential for rest and recovery. Consuming a balanced diet that includes lean protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can provide the body with the necessary nutrients to repair and rebuild muscles. Additionally, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help to reduce muscle cramps and fatigue.
Incorporating rest days into your training schedule is also crucial for injury prevention and recovery. Allowing the body time to rest and recover between intense workouts can help to reduce the risk of overuse injuries and prevent burnout.
Finally, incorporating activities outside of pitching into your daily routine can also help to promote rest and recovery. Engaging in activities such as yoga, meditation, or even taking a leisurely walk can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can ultimately improve overall performance on the pitch.
By prioritizing rest and recovery, pitchers can prevent injuries, reduce the risk of burnout, and maintain optimal performance on the field.
Identifying and Addressing Injuries
Pitching is a physically demanding activity that can result in various injuries. To maintain peak performance and avoid extended time on the sidelines, it is crucial to identify and address injuries promptly. The following guidelines will help pitchers and coaches to recognize and manage injuries effectively.
- Recognizing the Signs of Injury: Pitchers should be aware of the warning signs of injury, such as pain, swelling, or decreased range of motion. If any of these symptoms occur, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Ignoring these signs can lead to further injury and an extended recovery time.
- Injury Assessment: A thorough assessment is necessary to determine the extent of the injury and the appropriate course of action. This may involve diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to identify any structural damage. A medical professional should evaluate the injury to ensure proper treatment and prevention of future injuries.
- Developing a Rehabilitation Plan: Once the extent of the injury has been determined, a rehabilitation plan should be developed. This plan should include specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the affected area and prevent future injuries. It is important to follow the rehabilitation plan strictly to avoid re-injury and ensure a full recovery.
- Implementing Injury Prevention Strategies: In addition to rehabilitation, it is essential to implement injury prevention strategies to avoid future injuries. This may include regular stretching, strength training, and proper mechanics during pitching. Coaches should also monitor pitchers’ workloads and provide adequate rest to prevent overuse injuries.
- Communication with Medical Professionals: Pitchers and coaches should maintain open communication with medical professionals to ensure the best possible care. This includes reporting any changes in symptoms or concerns about the rehabilitation plan. It is also important to follow the medical professional’s advice regarding when it is safe to return to pitching.
By following these guidelines, pitchers can minimize their risk of injury and ensure a swift recovery when injuries do occur.
Balancing Practice with Rest and Recovery
- Understanding the Importance of Rest and Recovery
Pitching is a physically demanding activity that requires both strength and endurance. However, it is essential to remember that the human body has its limits, and pushing it too hard can lead to injuries. Rest and recovery are crucial components of any training regimen, especially for pitchers. Rest allows the body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue, while recovery helps to prevent overtraining and injury. - Finding the Right Balance Between Practice and Rest
Finding the right balance between practice and rest is a delicate art. While it is essential to practice regularly to improve one’s skills, it is equally important to allow the body time to recover. Over-practicing can lead to fatigue, which can increase the risk of injury. A well-rounded training program should include both practice and rest, with the latter being just as important as the former. - The Importance of Active Recovery
Active recovery involves engaging in low-intensity activities that help to reduce muscle soreness and improve circulation. Examples of active recovery include light jogging, stretching, and foam rolling. Active recovery can help to reduce the risk of injury and improve overall performance. - Strategies for Effective Rest and Recovery
To maximize the benefits of rest and recovery, it is essential to implement effective strategies. These include:- Scheduling regular rest days to allow the body to recover from the physical demands of practice.
- Engaging in active recovery activities after practice to reduce muscle soreness and improve circulation.
- Ensuring adequate sleep to allow the body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
- Fueling the body with a balanced diet to provide the necessary nutrients for recovery.
- The Role of Nutrition in Recovery
Nutrition plays a critical role in recovery. Consuming a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats can help to fuel the body and support recovery. Hydration is also crucial, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and impair performance. - The Benefits of Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery have numerous benefits for pitchers, including:- Reducing the risk of injury.
- Improving overall performance by allowing the body to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
- Preventing overtraining and burnout.
- Enhancing mental and emotional well-being by reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
By implementing effective rest and recovery strategies, pitchers can optimize their training regimen and reduce the risk of injury. Remember, rest is just as important as practice, and finding the right balance between the two is essential for success.
Continuing to Improve Your Pitching Skills
One of the keys to avoiding injury and staying in top form as a pitcher is to continuously work on improving your skills. This can be achieved through a combination of physical training, mental preparation, and consistent practice. Here are some tips for continuing to improve your pitching skills:
Physical Training
In addition to regular pitching practice, it’s important to incorporate strength and conditioning exercises into your routine. This can help improve your overall physical strength, increase your endurance, and reduce your risk of injury. Some exercises that may be particularly helpful for pitchers include:
- Plyometrics: These exercises involve quick, explosive movements that can help improve your power and speed on the mound. Examples include box jumps, squat jumps, and bounding.
- Resistance training: Incorporating resistance training into your routine can help improve your muscular strength and endurance. This can be achieved through weightlifting, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
- Flexibility and mobility training: Stretching and mobility exercises can help improve your range of motion and reduce your risk of injury. Examples include yoga, Pilates, and foam rolling.
Mental Preparation
In addition to physical training, mental preparation is also crucial for pitchers. This can involve visualization techniques, positive self-talk, and other strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Some tips for mental preparation include:
- Visualization: Imagining yourself successfully executing a pitch or making a key play can help boost your confidence and focus.
- Positive self-talk: Speaking to yourself in a positive and supportive way can help you stay motivated and calm under pressure.
- Breathing and relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and other techniques can help you manage stress and stay focused on the task at hand.
Consistent Practice
Finally, consistent practice is key to improving your pitching skills. This means setting aside dedicated time each day or week to practice pitching, whether that’s on the field or in a simulated setting. It’s important to vary your practice routine and work on different aspects of your pitching, such as your mechanics, control, and mental preparation. By consistently working on these areas, you can continue to improve your skills and reduce your risk of injury.
Staying Passionate and Motivated in Your Pitching Journey
Maintaining a Positive Mindset
A positive mindset is essential for success in any pursuit, and pitching is no exception. One way to maintain a positive mindset is to set realistic goals for yourself and celebrate your achievements along the way. It’s also important to remember that setbacks and failures are a natural part of the learning process, and to not let them discourage you from continuing your journey.
Finding Inspiration and Motivation
Another way to stay motivated and passionate about your pitching journey is to find sources of inspiration and motivation. This could be from watching successful pitchers, reading about the experiences of other pitchers, or even just reflecting on your own reasons for wanting to improve your pitching skills.
Surrounding Yourself with Supportive People
It’s also important to surround yourself with people who support and encourage your pitching journey. This could include friends, family, or even a pitching coach or mentor. Having a supportive network of people around you can help you stay motivated and inspired, even on days when you may be feeling discouraged.
Balancing Pitching with Rest and Recovery
Finally, it’s important to balance your pitching practice with rest and recovery. Pushing yourself too hard or neglecting to give your body time to recover from injuries or overuse can lead to burnout and a loss of passion for the sport. Make sure to prioritize proper warm-up and cool-down exercises, and to give yourself time to rest and recover between practices.
FAQs
1. Is it safe to practice pitching every day?
Yes, it is safe to practice pitching every day as long as you are practicing properly and listening to your body. It is important to warm up before each practice session and to take breaks if you feel any pain or discomfort. Proper hydration and stretching are also essential to prevent injury.
2. How long should I practice pitching each day?
The amount of time you should spend practicing pitching each day will depend on your level of experience and fitness. For beginners, it is recommended to start with shorter practice sessions of 30-45 minutes and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Experienced pitchers may be able to practice for longer periods of time, but it is still important to listen to your body and take breaks as needed.
3. What are some tips for practicing pitching every day?
To get the most out of your daily pitching practice, it is important to focus on developing good mechanics and consistency. This can be achieved by practicing proper pitching techniques, such as maintaining a consistent release point and following through with your arm swing. It is also important to practice pitching in different game-like scenarios, such as pitching with runners on base or in different counts. Additionally, incorporating strength and conditioning exercises into your practice routine can help improve your overall performance on the mound.
4. Can I practice pitching every day even if I have an injury?
If you have an injury, it is important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment and recovery. Depending on the severity of the injury, it may be necessary to take a break from pitching or to modify your practice routine to avoid further injury. It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard, as this can prolong the recovery process. If you are unsure about whether it is safe to practice pitching with an injury, it is best to consult with a medical professional.
5. How can I make sure I am practicing pitching effectively every day?
To ensure that you are practicing pitching effectively every day, it is important to set specific goals for your practice sessions and to track your progress. This can help you stay motivated and focused on improving your skills. It is also helpful to videotape your pitching sessions and review the footage to identify areas for improvement. Additionally, seeking feedback from a coach or mentor can provide valuable insights and help you make adjustments to your practice routine as needed.