As coach it is crucial that you prepare for every obstacle and setback your team may face throughout the season. Seasons never go completely as planned. For example, coaches needs to anticipate the game conditions, the weather, injuries, and player distractions. Successful coaches anticipate these obstacles and have a strategy for coping with setbacks. Some people may argue that anticipating setbacks is not a very positive way to mentally prepare for competition. But like I previously stated, nothing ever goes according to the plan in sports.Your team must be prepared to roll with the punches and make the necessary […]
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13
Mar
2011
Anticipating the Unexpected in Sports: Part 2
12
Jan
2011
High Expectations Lead to Doubt Not Confidence
Athletes can undermine their confidence without even knowing it. One way is to set strict expectations. The other is to hold onto self-doubt. Expectations can be tricky for athletes and coaches unfamiliar with the mental game. You might think that setting high expectations is good for your performance. But, in reality, high expectations put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Strict or high expectations can undermine and suck the life out of confidence! Some athletes set their expectations so high, they are almost impossible to reach. Throwing an no hitter or going 4 for 4 at the plate each game for […]
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06
Dec
2010
How to Get the Most Out of Your At-bats
“What was I thinking?” you mutter in frustration after striking out with the bat on your shoulders. You lost your focus temporarily and it cost you the at-bat. Most players at times, lose focus, blank-out, get distracted, or are too stressed to concentrate. Even the greatest players in the world have trouble concentrating under pressure. Outcomes and winning are stressed in a result oriented society, making it difficult to focus on what really matters—sticking to the task and focusing on only execution. The goal in baseball is to win, score runs, and get hits. This is obvious. If you dwell too much […]
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01
Dec
2010
Do You Play With a Fear of Failure?
Fear of failure is a common issue in the field of sport psychology. Fear of failure is characterized by high expectations, a strong desire to success (and not fail), anxiety or tension, worrying too much about results or outcomes, social approval issues or worrying too much about what others think, and performing with a serious, controlled mindset. Baseball players and other athletes contact me every day saying that they can’t get out of their own way during games – that their mental game is holding them back. Why would you want to sabotage your own success and prevent yourself […]
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15
Nov
2010
Use Pre-Pitch Routines to Help You Focus
Earlier this year, Cy Younger Award winner Roy Halladay pitch a perfect game and a no-hitter in the same season. He attributes part of his success to having a pre-pitch routine. “I tell myself to pitch the same and stay in a rhythm. I’m not concerned with the score, or striking out everyone. I tell myself to just trying and make pitches. That’s your only job,” said Halladay. Pre-pitch routines are designed to help pitchers: Focus on the process of executing a pitch Prepare consistently for each pitch Feel confident before executing Trust their motion or technique Some ball […]
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12
Nov
2010
What is Mental Toughness?
A quality of mind or intellect characterized by a refusal to be intimidated, a determination to finish a contest even when things are going badly, and an ability to control emotions and remain highly focused when under the pressure of intense competition. Mentally tough athletes have a psychological edge that enables them to be more consistent, determined, focused, confident, resilient, and in control under pressure.
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11
Nov
2010
From The Bullpen to The Record Books
Over the years, Phillies ace Roy Halladay has built the reputation of being a machine with incredible work ethic, but his career didn’t start out this way. In 1995, he was drafted first round by the Toronto Blue Jays. In 1998, he made his first Major League start, and carried a no-hitter into the 9th inning against Detriot, unitill Bobby Higginson hit a solo-homerun with two outs. Halladay’s talent was obvious, but mental barriers such as low self-confidence, lack of focus, and a fear of failure kept him from reaching his potention on the mound. In 2000, Halladay set the record for highest ERA ever, among MLB […]
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20
Oct
2010
Game-Time Coaching Tactics
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 […]
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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 […]
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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 […]
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