A baseball coach’s behavior (overt or covert) can have an influence on the attitude and performance of the team coming down the home stretch or an athlete trying to win a game. Having a positive and supportive attitude in close competitions will help your athletes succeed and model the behaviors you want them to learn. Here are some mental game tactics to apply during crunch-time or to prepare for close games. Stay Composed. The team feeds off your behavior. If you come unraveled in the last two minutes of the game, your players notice this behavior and may too […]
Read more
20
Oct
2010
Game-Time Coaching Tactics
19
Oct
2010
In Sports the Game is a Test
Athletes can sometimes sabotage their own success in sports. They “get in their own way” when they try too hard, force their game, over think and over analyze their performance. I’m sure you have heard me mention the phenomenon of “paralysis by over analysis.” If you or your athletes think too much or over analyze their performance, they don’t trust their skills and get in their own way. Athletes who allow their talents to shine can play freely, trust their skills, and don’t feel added pressure to be perfect when they perform. Coaches play an important role in an […]
Read more
15
Oct
2010
What is a Championship Mindset?
11
Oct
2010
It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over
In game 1 of the American League Championship Series, the Texas Rangers broke out to a 5-0 league over the New York Yankees. After six straight shutout innings the Yankees looked as if they were ready to throw in the towel. Their offense was sleeping, and starting pitcher CC Sabathia couldn’t find a solution for the Rangers offense. Then the Yankees remembered that there are 27 outs in a game, and this was October baseball. Former Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez stated, “They’re pitcher was rolling, but the last six, nine outs are the toughest to get. We just race […]
Read more
11
Oct
2010
Winning is a Team Effort
On August 10, 2010 the Seattle Mariners displayed incredible teamwork by turning a 5-4-3 triple play in a 3-1 win over the Oakland Athletes. “Great things happen when a team comes together on a play like that,” said Manager Daren Brown, “This is what it’s all about, winning is a team effort.” Coach is right, competing with your friends and working together is what baseballs all about. Baseball is a sport that challenges athletes to perform as individuals and as a team. Each player on your team has specific roles such as, the lead-off hitter, the clean-up hitter, the […]
Read more
08
Oct
2010
Playing Aggressive When Behind
Being in the lead can present some mental game challenges. Some players, and even teams, try to protect their lead so they don’t make mistakes. This can cause you to over control your performance, try too hard, think about the results and play tentatively. Other players become complacent with the lead and allow the opposition to make a comeback. Some teams struggle with closing out the game because of a comfort zone. A comfort zone is based on an expectation about how you think you should perform. You might expect to lose to a certain team or win by […]
Read more
07
Oct
2010
Halladay Uses His Mental Skills to Succeed
Philadelphia Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay made history in his postseason debut hurling the second no- hitter in Major league postseason history against the Cincinnati Reds. Halladay also threw a perfect game earlier in the season against the Marlins, making him the first pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game and a no-hitter in the same season. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Halladay in a postgame interview, “This is why I love the game.” When asked how satisfied he was with his postseason debut Halladay responded, “Complacency is something that can make you peak. If you can avoid […]
Read more
05
Oct
2010
Course Management and Pre-shot Routines
Golf courses are designed to challenge you every stroke with the presents of water hazard, sand traps, tree-lines, and rolling greens. Golfer who are not prepared for these obstacles, are unable to make key decisions, which can lead to mistakes. To be successful in competition you should focus on playing the course, rather than your opponents. Golfers who take this approach understand the important of course management. Many golfers view course management as a strategy to help them get out of trouble after a missed shot or bad stroke. Smart golfers view course management as a strategy that helps […]
Read more
01
Oct
2010
Patience is a Powerful Mental Tool in Sports
In his rookie season professional baseball player, Nelson Cruz lacked discipline and patience as a hitter. In the minor leagues, Cruz was a standout player, but he struggled at the plate more often than none. “I didn’t have the patients to be a successful hitter,” said Cruz, “I now know that whatever the situation, I have to stick to my approach, be patient, and make the right adjustments at the right time.” With his new approach, Cruz began the following season with a 14-game hitting streak, five home runs, and a .391 batting average. The saying “patience is a […]
Read more
