What Are The Keys to Developing Your Potential?
All young athletes seek instruction and advice from professional athletes in order to improve their performance and advance to the next level.
But don’t forget about the mental game of baseball.
You’ll find many issues that can hurt a young player’s success, such as lack of focus, inconsistency, low confidence, negative thinking, anxiety and the inability to manage emotions.
How can a young player develop the consistency and confidence needed to play at a high level?
Improve both physically and mentally.
Matt Scherzer, 28 year-old pitcher for the Detroit Tigers, is a great example of consistency and confidence for young baseball players to model.
Scherzer, 21-3, was named the 2013 AL Cy Young winner receiving 28 out of 30 first-place votes. However, Scherzer has not always performed to this level of excellence.
In 2010, Scherzer had a record of 12-11 with an ERA of 3.50. Scherzer progressively improved over the next few years: in 2011, Scherzer posted a 15-9 record with a 4.43 ERA and, in 2012, he had a 16-7 record and an ERA of 3.74.
Scherzer started displaying his dominance during the second half of 2012 when he went 8-2 with a 2.69 ERA. Scherzer is 32-6 with a 2.77 ERA over his last 51 regular-season starts, striking out 383 batters over 331 2/3 innings. In 2013, Scherzer posted the best win-loss record, 21-3 (2.90 ERA) by a Major League pitcher since 2008.
In an interview after the season, Scherzer reflected on his award winning season and provided the much sought after advice on consistency and confidence:
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You must be immersed in the present moment to succeed at a high level.
- Scherzer: “Now that the season’s over, you have a chance to reflect on what you were able to actually do, because during the season, you’re focused so much on winning that if you focus on yourself, it really takes away from what’s really important.”
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You need your technique to be a dominant habit, so you don’t over-think during games.
- You can improve your confidence from competing from your strengths or the things you do well.
- Scherzer: “I think I ironed out a lot of my mechanics. I’ve smoothed everything out, I feel like I’m able to repeat it. And because of that, I’m able to pitch with all my pitches and pitch effectively and execute every pitch in every location… I felt like I had more control. I cut my walks down even further — something I always pride myself in. So I think because of that is why I was able to have a special 2013.”
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You must be committed to daily improvement.
- Scherzer: “I’ve been working so hard for all these years to keep getting better and better, and every single year I try to do something better than the [last].”
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You should pay attention to the little things.
- Keep in mind that small improvements over time collectively produce big results.
- Scherzer: “It’s a lot of small things, managing my pitch count so that I can pitch deep into the game, working on the curveball so that I could be more consistent.”
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 Can Deal With Stress and Pressure”
“With your help, I have been able to deal with stress and pressure of the game of baseball more efficiently. I have learned 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
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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- A critical mental error that can erase your confidence at the plate!
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Mental Game of Baseball Success Stories
“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.”
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