How to Get Hot as a Reliever: A Complete Guide
How to Get Hot as a Reliever: A Quick Guide to Staying Ready in the Bullpen
As a reliever, you’ve probably been in that situation where the coach tells you to "get hot." But what exactly does that mean, and how do you prepare yourself quickly and effectively to go into a game? If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to get hot or what the process entails, you’re not alone. Many pitchers don’t fully understand what coaches expect when they hear that call, and it’s not always clear how to speed up your routine.
In this post, we’re going to break down what it means to get hot and how to prepare yourself to enter the game quickly and confidently, all without overthinking it.
The Difference Between Getting Loose and Getting Hot
First off, there’s a big difference between getting loose and getting hot. Getting loose is the process of warming up your body, stretching, and getting comfortable with your movements. It’s more of a general pre-game activity. But getting hot? That means you’re on the mound, ripping it, and ready to go into the game now. Your coach might give you just a batter or two to get hot, and you don’t have much time. So, how do you go from zero to ready in a matter of minutes without getting overwhelmed?
The Mental Aspect: Don’t Overthink It
One of the biggest challenges pitchers face when getting hot is the mental side of it. It’s easy to get "domed up," or overthink the process, worrying that you’re not doing enough or that you’re not ready. But the truth is, you don’t need to do a ton to get hot. Just focus on a few key actions that get your body and mind engaged.
Quick Steps to Get Hot
Here’s a simple, no-nonsense routine to get hot when your name is called:
Band Pull-Aparts: Start with some basic band exercises to get your blood flowing. This helps activate your arm and shoulder muscles without taking too much time.
Shuffle Throws: Do a few shuffle throws behind the mound. This will help you get loose while engaging your body in a more dynamic way.
Get on the Mound: Once you’ve done a few throws, step onto the mound and immediately find your release point. This is key—you want to get your body and mind in sync as quickly as possible.
Optional Pull Downs: If you need an extra kick, you can do some pull downs (high-intensity throws designed to simulate game speed). This gets your body moving fast and signals to your brain that it’s time to pitch.
Why It's Not Talked About Enough
For some reason, the process of getting hot isn’t discussed much in baseball circles. A lot of it comes down to experience, but that can be a problem if you’re a younger pitcher or someone who hasn’t had much time in the bullpen. Your coach may expect you to get hot quickly, but if no one has taught you how to do it effectively, it’s not your fault. However, it’s still your responsibility to figure it out and be ready when the call comes.
Working with Your Coach’s Expectations
Another point to consider is that your coach likely has a good understanding of how long it takes for you to get ready. If they’re telling you to hurry up, it’s not because they’re rushing you for no reason—it’s because they know the clock is ticking. You may not have time to go through your full pre-game routine, but that doesn’t mean you’re being set up to fail. It’s all about adapting to the situation and getting yourself into game mode as fast as possible.
How to Simulate Getting Hot During Bullpens
One of the best ways to get comfortable with the process of getting hot is to simulate it during your bullpens. Rather than going through your regular warm-up, try treating your bullpen session like a real game scenario where you have only a few minutes to get ready. Start with a quick five-minute warm-up routine—just like you would in a real game—and focus on finding your rhythm as soon as you step on the mound.
Adjusting for Game Conditions
Remember, when you’re called into the game, you’ve already warmed up once before. That pre-game throwing session might have been an hour ago, but it still counts. You don’t need to go through a full warm-up again. Your goal is to get the blood flowing, re-engage your release point, and be ready to throw strikes as quickly as possible. Try experimenting with different routines during practice so you can find what works best for you.
The MLB Standard: Why You Need to Be Ready
If you’re serious about pitching at the next level, whether that’s college ball or even MLB, you need to master the art of getting hot quickly. The pros don’t have time to get fully loose when their name is called—they need to be ready to perform immediately. In the big leagues, if you’re not ready and you don’t perform when called upon, you might not get another chance.
Taking Responsibility: It’s Your Job to Be Ready
When your coach calls your name, it’s not his fault if you’re not ready. He trusts you to handle the situation and expects you to perform. If you want to stay in your coach’s good graces and advance in your baseball career, you need to be prepared to go when called upon. The responsibility is yours, and you need to be ready to answer the call.
Final Thoughts
Getting hot as a reliever doesn’t have to be complicated. Stick to a simple routine that gets your body moving and your mind focused, and you’ll be ready to take the mound when your coach calls your name. Remember, the more you simulate these situations in practice, the more comfortable you’ll feel when it’s time to get hot in a game.
If you want to go as far as possible in baseball, mastering this skill is essential. So, next time you’re in the bullpen and the call comes in, get hot, get ready, and show your coach that you’re prepared for anything.
Looking for more pitching tips and insights? Stay tuned to our blog for more ways to elevate your game!
