Slumps Are Only Temporary
Do you have full trust in your skills when you play in a game?
When you are “in a slump,” do you have the necessary trust in your abilities and confidence that you will break out quickly?
It is easy to have trust in your game when things are going well on the field. When you are ripping the ball for hits each game, you never think, “Will I ever get a hit again?”
When you have pinpoint accuracy on the mound over several games, you don’t think, “I need to work on getting the ball over the plate.” or “I should work on my mechanics during off days.”
When you are making acrobatic plays on the field or throwing out runners from the outfield, you don’t say to yourself, “I need to do extra fielding practice.”
When things are going well and you are playing at a high level, you have trust in your ability to replicate high level performance.
Even a bad at-bat or shaky inning on the mound is seen as a blip on the screen and you trust that you will do well the next time you step in the batter’s box or face the next hitter.
It is after a string of bad events that some baseball players lose trust in their ability to perform: a few rough starts, a string of bad games or a lack of production at the plate over the course of several games.
It is these cases, ball players start tinkering with their technique or mechanics. This is often the time when players take extra batting practice or throw more on off days. Or they may look for a new hitting coach.
Loss of trust is the culprit when your game is slumping, not a loss of ability.
Learning to deal with the ups and downs of the game and maintaining trust in your abilities is the fastest way to get back on track.
Baltimore Oriole outfielder Dwight Smith Jr. was mired in a slump that saw his batting average drop significantly as he was hitless in over 30 at-bats.
Some players might become frustrated in this situation and maybe Smith is experiencing some level of frustration too.
But listening to Smith, there is an overwhelming tone of trust. Smith understands the ups and downs of the game and trusts he has the ability to return to form.
Smith’s outlook is an ideal example of trust.
SMITH: “You go through ups and downs, and you’ve just got to keep pushing. I think it’ll turn around sooner than later. I feel like the results are just not there right now. Process is going fine. It’s one of those things. It’s just baseball. Everybody goes through slumps. No matter how good you’re going, it’s gonna happen at some point. It’s just how you deal with it.”
Trust is an essential element to high level performance. Without trust in your game, your play on the field will be marred with inconsistency.
How to Develop Trust in Your Game:
Maintain the same approach throughout your ups and downs. Start with focus. What do you focus on when you are playing at a high level?
For example, when you are in the batter’s box, are you focused on picking up the ball quickly or making good contact?
Don’t reinvent your game because it’s not working now. The difference between poor and good play maybe very small–or smaller than you think. Make small adjustments that can help your consistency return.
You want to have patience knowing that you have done it before and you can do it again without massive changes to your game.
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!
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What are baseball mental game customers saying?
“Dr. Cohn, I’ve been tearing it up lately!!! Every single thing you taught me works perfectly in every situation I’ve been in. I’ve been so into every game and focusing on the process and not the outcomes and everything falls right into place . In the playoffs I’m 5-7 with 2 run home runs and 5 RBIs. I feel great at the plate and focusing is a breeze now. I just wanted to thank you for everything and keep you posted with how everything was going.”
~Jalen Phillips, College Baseball Player
“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
“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 saying?
“As a college softball coach I experience great pleasure in helping youth league coaches develop their young players. As reversal of that process, I, as the student, look to experts like yourself to give me the “mechanics” of sports psychology so that I may better impart my knowledge to the players and coaches. Your contribution spreads like wildfire and helps hundreds of youngsters as well as us “oldies.” Thanks for your contribution–it means a lot.”
~Tom Moore, College Softball Coach
“A quick note to let you know how effective your programs worked for my son who is 17 and plays varsity baseball in VA. In late 2009, I ordered the Relaxed Athlete program for my son because I saw he was pressing too hard at the plate and had disappointing results for the 2009 season. Thanks to your programs, my son now has a completely new approach to the game of baseball (and school) and it’s more fun for him now. He made all-district player at his position and hit .443 this season. A complete 180 degree turn around from last year.”
~Mark M., sports parent
“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
Disclaimer
*Testimonials found on this site are examples of what we have done for other clients, and what some of our clients have said about us. However, we cannot guarantee the results in any case. Your results may vary and every situation is different. No compensation was provided for these testimonials.
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