Pre-Game Mental Preparation
Baseball players spend hours doing batting practice, fielding ground balls, and doing strength and conditioning, but how much time is dedicated to getting prepared mentally?
Many baseball and softball coaches tell us their players performed poorly because “they lost their heads” or “psyched themselves out,” which suggests that mental preparation in baseball is a huge key to success.
Mental preparation can determine the outcome of a game.
Players who feel confident, focused, and ready are more likely to start the game well and this can lead to momentum. And you know what momentum can do for your team.
Without pregame mental preparation, your mind is open to random pregame thoughts, including doubt, second-guessing, and even small, insignificant distracted from fans, mistakes, or your opponents.
Here’s a common scenario…
John expects to have the perfect game and not make any mistakes. He thinks this mindset will help him play better.
But the reality is that it hurts his game. When John does not achieve his expectations, he gets frustrated and doubt can set in: “Why am I 0-2 at the plate today?”
How can YOU mentally prepare for baseball games?
Your pregame warm up routine is the perfect time to get your mind right for the game.
This is a time to build confidence, get focused, and fine tune your level of intensity.
Every time you step on the field, you want to have a calm, confident mindset.
What are the mental skills you should include?
First, you want to have a mental routine you do prior to each game.
During you’re pregame mental routine, you should:
- Let go of outcome expectations
- Be proactive with your confidence
- Park distractions in your life and enter the role of the athlete
- Focus on one-pitch-at-a-time
- Stop practicing and become the performer
Your pregame mental preparation does not guarantee team success, but it will help you get into a mindset to improve your performance and consistency.
Let me know if you have found the ideal routine to play with confidence, focus and consistency to share with other readers.
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone.
Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
One-on-one mental game coaching with Dr. Cohn.
What are our students saying?
“I’m Amazed at the Change in His Mental Game”
“Ty has started nine games this season, and he is 6-0, with a 2.6 ERA. Two weeks ago he pitched a 9-inning shutout, breaking his school’s record with 17 strikeouts. For his efforts he was named NJCAA Division I National Pitcher of the Week. He’s in a real good place mentally. The mental game skills you taught him about mental preparation, eliminating expectation, and staying in the moment have been the keys to his success. The thing I have noticed most is his improved consistency. I have been amazed at the change in his mental game. I should have called you earlier to thank you personally.”
~Randy Sullivan, Ty’s Father
Get The Mental Edge For Baseball and Softball Players!
Do you (or your athletes) lack full confidence in your skills when you step on the field as if your game disappears at game time?
Do you lose composure easily after you make your first error of time game?
Do you feel embarrassed after striking out and carry this with you for longer than one inning?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, check out The Mental Edge For Baseball And Softball Players!
Boost your (or your athletes mental) toughness! Learn 8 mental toughness lessons to help ball players improve confidence, focus and composure.
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What are mental game customers saying?
“Dr. Cohn has put together a program that has enabled myself and our players to approach the mental game in a systematic way that is easy to use and apply. Our awareness level has greatly increased.”
~Marty Hunter, Head Baseball Coach George Fox University
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Learn 6 Costly Mental Game Mistakes Baseball
And Softball Players Make While Batting
Get instant access to a Mental Game of Baseball and Softball FREE report. Discover if you are making one or more of these “costly” mental game errors at the plate!
You’ll discover:
- How your mind can be your best or worst asset during batting.
- If you are using your mind effectively to get a hit.
- A critical mental error that can erase your confidence at the plate!
- How to prepare your mind using an at-bat routine.
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Mental Game of Baseball Success Stories
“With your help, I have been able to deal with stress and pressure of the game of baseball more efficiently. I have learned what it means to focus on the process to help me keep my focus and disregard negative thoughts and energies. This process focus will keep me from getting my head in the way of my performance, from working against myself. Thanks for your help. I look forward to speaking with you again.”
~Keith Donnell, College Baseball Player.
“I currently play NCAA Division 1 Baseball, and even my coaches have noticed a change in the way that I approach the game; my attitude and confidence at the plate. Thank you for helping in my continuing goal to mental toughness.”
~Tylor Prudhomme, College Baseball Player
Jackson Leon
When you are up to bat, you must clear your mind of all thoughts, and only focus on the ball. Do not set a goal, except for hitting the ball. Don’t set your goal to get a double, or hit it past the fence. Your only goal is to make accurate, and acceptably strong contact.