When The Other Team Has Your Number
Have you ever had that one team you can’t beat? One pitcher that you can’t get a hit off? A competitor that seemed to get the best of you?
Sometimes history can be difficult for baseball players to overcome…
You view past statistics as proof that negative trends will continue. You think, “How can I possibly get a hit off this pitcher when I have never been able to in the past?”
The key phrase in the previous statement is “in the past!” The past repeats itself only if you project it into the future.
The truth is that the past has little bearing on the present, but some players allow these negative predictions to dominate their thinking. This is how other players and opposing teams “get in your head.”
A competitor can only “get in your head” if you invite them into your mental space by reliving the past.
There is a solution… change the narrative.
A narrative is the story you tell yourself. Your narrative is your way of connecting events together.
You can have a negative narrative:
“The last five games, I have been 0-15 against this pitcher. He is overpowering and intimidating. I just can’t hit this pitcher.”
The alternative–and your best chance to turn things around–is a positive narrative.
A positive narrative wastes no time or energy being pessimistic or frustrated. A positive narrative is one in which you see potential solutions and see a successful ending.
A positive narrative changes your perspective, enhances confidence and gives you a fighting chance.
The New York Yankees seem to be unable to hit off Houston Astros’ pitcher Dallas Keuchel. Keuchel has dominated Yankee hitters and even eliminated them from the playoffs last year in the American League wild-card game.
In three games against the Yankees in 2015, Keuchel gave up no runs, only 12 hits and struck out 28 hitters. Keuchel has shutout the Yankees in 28 consecutive innings.
Richard Gordin, professor at Utah State University, said it is not Keuchel that is the problem but the narrative the Yankees have weaved in their own minds.
GORDIN: “It isn’t really that somebody else is in your head. It’s in your head… Great thinkers in sport look at a situation and create their own story to give themselves an advantage.”
If you weave a positive narrative, you can come to the conclusion that there is less pressure on you. In the case of the Yankees, there is a greater expectation for Keuchel to continue his level of play and, therefore, there is more pressure on him.
GORDIN: “[Keuchel’s] got to go out and do it again. There’s pressure on him to continue to do what he’s doing.”
By flipping the story, you will be more at ease and able to produce to your potential.
Tip for changing the narrative to benefit your performance:
Negative images in your head produce negative results on the field. You can flip the narrative by visualizing the results you want.
Set aside five minutes daily to visualize yourself battling and reaching a successful outcome.
Your images lay the groundwork for your results on the field.
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.
Download your copy today!
What are mental game customers saying?
“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
Get Our Weekly Mental Game Tips!
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.
I’ll also notify you when we have other baseball or softball mental game tips to boost your performance! Please enter your first name, primary email, and role in baseball/softball below to instantly receive your 100% FREE mental game report:
© 2016 Peak Performance Sports, LLC | 888-742-7225 | Baseball and Softball Confidence
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.”
~Tylor Prudhomme, College Baseball Player
“Thank you very much for taking the time to speak with our team. It was greatly appreciated and really helped a lot. I found myself implementing your teachings in our first practice right after you left. I really enjoyed the way you implemented already known ideas, but gave us a different way of viewing it. Thank you.”
~Amber Prosser, Clark College Softball
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!
What are our mental coaching students, parents and coaches 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
Coaches, Help Your Ball Players Change Their Narrative On The Field!
In this seven-day program, baseball and softball coaches learn proven strategies to build their teams’ self-confidence, improve sports performance, and stop self-doubt instantly!
Learn how to teach your team to have unshakable self-confidence with “Instilling Confidence in Baseball and Softball Players.” This program consists of one 72-minute audio CD that includes 7 days of confidence-fueling exercises. You’ll also receive a simple-to-follow 74-page coaches’ manual that guides you through the 7 team sessions you’ll conduct. We’ve also included the top confidence-building exercises on athletes’ worksheets. You’ll copy these for your team members, which help your players understand and apply what they’ll learn in the team sessions.
Learn more about the program here: Instilling Confidence In Baseball And Softball Players
Leave a Reply