What Makes a “Clutch” Performer in Big Games?
How are some athletes able to perform well in critical moments or big games despite extreme pressure?
Most athletes understand what it means to be a clutch player, but do not know how to develop the characteristic of being a clutch performer when it counts in a game.
Jon Lester, pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, is a “clutch” player.
Lester rises to meet challenges during critical games. Lester has won two games in this World Series allowing one run in 15 1/3 innings. In game 5 of the World Series, with the series tied 2-2, Lester held the St. Louis Cardinals to four hits and one run over 7 2/3 innings earning a victory that put Boston one win short of the championship.
Lester is just the fifth pitcher ever to give up one run or less in his first three World Series starts. Lester is 3-0 with an 0.43 ERA in his career World Series appearances. Lester has been very impressive in his five starts in this year’s playoffs with a 4-1 record, a 1.56 ERA, eight walks and 29 strikeouts.
Lester acknowledged feeling the pressure of the World Series, but chooses to focus on playing his game.
“It doesn’t matter how many games at this stage you play, your nerves are going, your heart rate is going. It’s just a matter of, once you kind of settle in, realizing it’s baseball.”
The last two words are quite perceptive… “it’s baseball.”
Meaning it’s just a game and not life or death.
In baseball, players will find several constants: the distance from the pitcher’s rubber to home plate is 60 feet 6 inches, there are nine innings in a regulation game with three outs per half inning and the distance between bases is 90 feet.
When a baseball player focuses on the known, the constants including his routines, they feel more in control of their performance. They insulate themselves from anxiety, which helps them to focus on just playing the game of baseball.
Being clutch requires consistency in preparation, a strong mindset, and a positive approach to games.
Even though Lester realizes the significance of the playoffs, he knows it is the same game he has been playing all season.
“Pretty special time… We’ve just got to go out and keep playing baseball the way we’ve been doing it all year.”
You want to “act like you have been here before” in order to be clutch in pressure situations.
In the playoffs, you should understand that the game is the same game you play all year long with the same constants.
You will perform well in clutch moments when you remain focused on your skills, abilities, and your approach to the game.
When you focus on what you can do, you minimize anxiety about outcomes and free up your energies to perform in the moment—one pitch at a time.
If you want to be a clutch performer in big games and critical moments, your mental approach to the game must be consistent and developed throughout the season during practices and games.
Check Out Our Baseball Mental Game Programs
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
Leave a Reply