What is “Attentional Blinking?”
- “Attentional blinking,” is a phenomenon that the second of two targets cannot be detected or identified when it appears close in time to the first
- What happens – Our eyes focus on and deal with the lines of motion our brain interprets.
- Our brain interprets and reacts to the second pitch based upon the information it retained from the first pitch
- Reality – when an attentional blink occurs, the hitter GUESSES on the second pitch based upon the visual input of the first.
When done correctly it only takes TWO Pitches to get a batter out. The first pitch sets them up, and the second usually results in a miss-hit baseball where they get themselves out.
So how do you take advantage of “attentional blinking” and “Who will it work on?”
- The anxious hitter who jumps in the batter’s box after just crushing a ball foul or feels he is right on you after fouling a ball straight back
- Time Frame: Throw the opposite pitch within 10-12 seconds [e.g., Fastball after a Changeup, or Changeup after a Fastball]
Now I never placed a stopwatch on it, but I can honestly say it worked every time regardless of the hitter’s talent level!
The more you and your catcher observe each hitter on the opposing team, the more success you will have.
More importantly you will reduce your pitch count and soon knowledge of Attentional Blinking will become your Secret Sauce!
Try it!
Until next Blog,
