Managing Your Mental Game Time Thoughts
Do you find that thinking affects your pitching negatively?
Have you unsuccessfully attempted to “not think” while pitching?
Have you been on the mound when you couldn’t stop over-analyzing what you are doing?
Maybe you gave up a home run to give the other team the lead and no matter how hard you tried to “not think,” you only thought about it more. Even after several batters, that home run still haunted you and your pitching performance.
A lot of times, we hear expressions like “just pitch” or “don’t think… pitch.”
It’s not thinking that detracts from a pitcher’s performance.
We are constantly thinking.
Some thoughts are productive (knowing the situation, what pitch you are going to throw).
Other thoughts are counter-productive such as obsessive thinking (fear of making mistakes, inability, reliving mistakes) or over-thinking (focusing too much on technique, trying to paint the corners).
Josh Beckett, 34, has been pitching in the Major Leagues for 14 years and his figured out the most productive thought process for himself.
Beckett had his share of ups and downs throughout his career and has learned from his vast experience.
Beckett was once heralded as one of the best pitchers in the Major Leagues. Then, after going 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA, Beckett’s 2013 season was cut short in July due to thoracic outlet syndrome.
When reflecting on his injury, Beckett stated:
“It’s crazy how simple things become difficult to do.”
Beckett was referring to little daily tasks, but the same can be said of pitching.
Sometimes, ball players complicate the game by over-thinking and placing unneeded pressure on themselves.
Due to his previous injury, Beckett wondered whether he would ever pitch again in the Major Leagues.
Then, on May 25, 2014, Beckett pitched a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies throwing 128 pitches with 6 strikeouts and only 3 walks. Beckett was honored as the National League Player of the Week for his no-hit pitching performance.
Beckett put his potential no-hitter in perspective during the game which took off the pressure to perform:
“I took a moment in the ninth while I was warming up. It was what it was, and if I threw one, great. If not, I have healthy kids and a healthy wife – and that’s the main goal.”
Another way Beckett managed the pressure was to acknowledge the situation without ruminating about it.
Some pitchers suppress their thoughts which only serve to increase the feeling of anxiety:
“You’re thinking about it the whole time. I don’t know why there’s that unwritten rule not to talk about it and stuff. I was joking about it from the fourth inning on.”
Tips on managing your game-time thoughts:
- Keep baseball or softball in perspective. Your ball is not a life-or-death proposition… It is a game.
- Stay focused on productive thoughts (your strengths, your game plan or the situation). Avoid the dark side by over thinking, trying to be perfect, or worrying about making mistakes.
Want to improve your mental game for baseball the fastest way possible?
Learn more about our mental coaching for baseball or 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!
One-on-one mental game coaching with Dr. Cohn.
What are our mental coaching students saying?
“I Feel Like I’m Stealing From You”
“Patrick–something seems really weird here. You are giving out so much good material to help with the yips, and I feel like I am stealing from you! I really like your style! You don’t see that very often–ever as a mater of fact! You are an amazing guy!”
~O’Jay Omlid
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?
“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
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
“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
Leave a Reply