Be More Consistent on the Field
Summary: Players often equate consistency with never having a bad game, which sets an impossible standard and erodes confidence the moment a rough outing happens. This article explains how shifting to a “big picture” mindset helps you perform more consistently over the course of a season.
What interferes with the ability to perform consistently?
Baseball and softball players yearn for consistent performance. However, consistency eludes many players.
Why is consistency so tricky for some players? Why are some players up one day and down the next?
Too often, players fail to see the big picture. They erroneously believe consistency means winning every game, getting four hits, or striking out ten hitters every game.
These players equate consistency with streaks. Then, if they have a couple of one-hit games or lose to a winless team, they start questioning themselves. They lose their confidence and expect a run of “bad” games.
You can think of inconsistency and consistency in this manner: Inconsistency is similar to driving through hills and valleys, while consistency is traveling on a relatively flat road. When you are inconsistent, you are playing well one day, and everything is looking up, but the next few games, you drastically underperform, and you feel like your play is on a downward turn.
Key to Consistency
Consistency, on the other hand, is driving along a somewhat flat road with occasional potholes. Sometimes, the pothole or bad game is unavoidable. For instance, you are playing against a team that is collectively having a great game or getting all the breaks. However, consistency is rising to challenges, avoiding potholes when you can, or getting back on track quickly after a loss.
You can bounce back after an unfortunate game when you have a clear understanding of consistency and a positive perspective.
During the early part of the 2024 MLB season, the Minnesota Twins were on a 12-game winning streak before the Boston Red Sox beat the Twins 9-2. Interestingly, the Twins were not focused on winning every game but playing their best each game. They saw the loss as one event and focused on moving forward and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
Carlos Correa attributes the team’s consistency to a “big picture” mentality.
“It did feel like every time an opportunity arose in the past 12 games, it felt like we were always coming through. Today was just one of the days that we’re not able to do that. But at the same time, looking at the big picture, it’s been a couple of good weeks. We’ve just got to keep going.”
When you have a clear view of consistency, you steer clear of unrealistic expectations. You no longer feel the pressure of having to win or needing to get a hit every plate appearance. You merely focus on playing the best ball you can in the moment, with no thoughts of past events or expectations of perfection.
Challenge your view of consistency. Do you see consistency as perfection? Do you believe consistency is winning every game?
When you understand what consistency is and is not, your mind will work for you rather than against you, your confidence will become stable, you will be able to play at a high level regularly, and you will be a more resilient player.
FAQ
Why is consistency so hard for some players?
Many players equate consistency with never having a bad game or streaking constantly, which is an unrealistic standard that sets them up for disappointment.
What’s the difference between consistency and streakiness?
Inconsistency is like driving through hills and valleys — good one day, bad the next — while true consistency is a relatively flat road, even with occasional potholes.
How did Carlos Correa describe team consistency?
He attributed it to a “big picture” mentality — not overreacting to any single game, good or bad.
How can I become more consistent?
Adopt a big-picture view of your performance over weeks and months instead of judging yourself game by game.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Be a Consistent Hitter According to Harper
- Become a Consistent Ballplayer
- Mariano Rivera: How to Be a Consistent Performer
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
Get the Mental Edge With Mental Game Coaching
Mental game coaching helps serious athletes like you uncover the beliefs and attitudes that keep you from performing to your potential. You’ll learn mental game strategies to perform confidently in competition and how to overcome performance barriers.
You can improve your mental game with Peaksports Mental Game Coaches one-on-one sessions with from anywhere in the world via telephone, Zoom, or FaceTime.
One-on-one mental game coaching is the fastest and most effective method to improve your mental game, boost your performance, and make lasting changes. We have a variety of mental coaching programs to choose from.
Please call us at 407-909-1700 with your questions.
