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How Well Do you Do Under Pressure?
Summary: Pressure is a stressor that comes from both internal sources (perfectionism, fear of being benched) and external ones (fans, media, scholarships on the line), and understanding where your pressure comes from is the first step to managing it. This article breaks down the types of pressure baseball players face and how to use it as a motivator instead of a threat.
How would you grade your ability to perform under pressure?
If you grade yourself poorly, then it is necessary to gain a better understanding of pressure.
First, what is pressure? Pressure is a stressor that occurs when you feel you must perform at a high level, and how you perform has meaningful consequences.
For example, if a baseball college coach is scouting you as a potential recruit, you may feel increased pressure if you believe you will lose out on a scholarship if you have a terrible game.
Next, pressure can be generated by internal or external stressors.
- Internal stressors come from within a player, originating from their thoughts or feelings such as excessively high expectations, perfectionism, fear of being benched, worry about losing out on a scholarship, self-doubt due to slumps, fear of being judged harshly, etc.
- Pressure can come from external sources such as fan pressure, media scrutiny, returning from injury, playing in unfavorable weather conditions, teammates, parents, rivalries, etc.
Finally, pressure is a subjective experience. A factor that may cause one player to worry or become anxious may be viewed as an exciting challenge for another player.
Ultimately, how you perceive your circumstances will dictate pressure levels and determine how you respond to those circumstances, which influences performance.
For example, you are playing in a game against your biggest rival. You are at the plate with your team down one run in the bottom of the ninth with two outs and the bases loaded.
Pressure, in this instance, is natural. However, how you interpret your circumstances determines the amount of pressure.
If you perceive the situation through the lens of potentially costing your team the game, you will feel increased pressure.
Pressure As a Motivator
Conversely, if you are locked in, immersed in the game, and excited for the opportunity, pressure will remain at manageable levels.
The Philadelphia Phillies had a tough start to the 2024 NLDS, losing to the New York Mets 6-2. The Phillies had the second-best record in the Major Leagues but managed only five hits in the series’ first game.
In Game 2, Philadelphia regained their regular season form winning by a score of 7-6. Phillies catcher J.T. Realmuto talked about the pressure the team felt before the start of the series and how it affected their play on the field.
REALMUTO: “Couple of us were saying after the game that we can breathe now. For whatever reasons, it felt a little tense, tight coming into this series.
We just weren’t really ourselves in the box. We feel now we can let loose and play our brand of baseball.”
Players play their best when pressure exists at moderate to low levels. When you minimize pressure, you are better able to play confident ball, trust your skills, and perform at your peak no matter the game circumstances.
Take a proactive approach to managing pressure. Prior to games, examine your beliefs and expectations for the game. Let go of pressure-packed expectations and focus on executing one play at a time!
FAQ
What is pressure in a baseball context?
Pressure is a stressor that occurs when you feel you must perform at a high level and believe your performance carries meaningful consequences.
What causes pressure for baseball players?
Pressure comes from both internal sources (perfectionism, fear of being benched, self-doubt) and external sources (fans, media, scouts, rivalries).
How did the Phillies manage pressure during the 2024 NLDS?
After a tense, tight Game 1 loss to the Mets, catcher J.T. Realmuto said the team felt they could “breathe” and let loose in Game 2, which they won 7-6.
Can pressure actually help performance?
Yes — pressure viewed as an exciting challenge rather than a threat keeps players locked in and performing at their best, while pressure viewed as a burden increases anxiety and hurts performance.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Is Pressure All Bad for Ball Players?
- Does Pressure Help Your Performance as a Ball Player?
- How Teixeira Copes With The Pressure
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