If I had a dollar for every pitcher who came to me wondering how they can be better in the first inning, I'd be a rich man.
It is hard to "get into the game" for a lot of pitchers. Some don't want to get tired before the game, others throw a full games worth of pitches before their start. How many times have you said, "I had a good game after the four runs I gave up in the first inning?"
Obviously, those are important runs - as important as those in the last inning.
Game Day is what we all work for - in the off-season, pre-season, and between starts. The work is done and now it takes mental preparation to point your physical training in the right direction.
A few things to think about for a starting pitcher - at any level:
1. Start your preparation once you step foot at the park. If you are there hours before, start reviewing the opposition. Do you know the other team? Who are their big hitters? Who are the guys that give you trouble, if you have faced them before? This can be done in a conversation with coach and catcher, but sometimes teams don't have the time or luxury to sit down with you prior to the game - this is not an excuse! Study the other team in every way possible.
2. As you warm up, don't rush through it. Get a feel for your arm, body, the spin of the ball. If your location is not where you want it to be, don't panic. Make a few easy adjustments at with less intent. Don't throw it harder if it isn't going where you want it to. Find the release first. And when you think you have thrown enough pitches - throw three more! It is better to be a little fatigued early than cold and tight.
3. Whatever is working when you get into the game, use it. The pregame warmup could feel completely different once you step on the game mound. It is important to feel warmed up, then reanalyze on the mound. If you are locating your fastball but having trouble feeling the secondary stuff right away, stay fastball early. The opposite is true, too. Fastball location could be all over the place, but the slider or sweeper or change are spot on - use them right away!
4. Get through the first inning any way you can. As stated in item 3, use what's working to get through the first. The best pitchers can adjust on the fly and figure things out without showing any stress. Get your mind and heart into the flow! Each inning is a new game, keep moving forward to the next pitch, next batter, next inning!
First inning dominance is a skill that can be learned and practiced. Don't panic, keep your head on what you are doing on the mound. Fix things if they need fixing - if you are on a roll, don't change anything until the other team shows they are adjusting to you. Then make stay one step ahead and add a pitch, change a sequence, keep them guessing.
Have a good first inning!