How to Overcome a Slump in Baseball
What is the key to get out of a performance drought?
You can attack slumps from several angles:
- Altering your warm-up routine
- Changing bats
- Tinkering with your mechanics
- Spending more time on the practice field
- Finding a new lucky shirt
- Putting your left sock on first instead of the right one
While some of these strategies may improve your chances of getting back on track, there probably is a better way…
Rather than looking for a physical solution, you might attack the problem from a mental perspective…
The solution to your slump problem lies in belief and trust.
You need to believe that you have the ability to break out of your slump and that you are not bound by recent history.
Just because you have experienced a string of bad games does not guarantee that the next game will be bad too. This type of faulty reasoning is what causes slumps to unnecessarily continue.
Think of it this way… If it has rained for three consecutive days does it guarantee that rain will continue the next day?
Next, you need to trust that you have the abilities and skills necessary to play at a high level. When you are in panic mode, you often begin tinkering with technique and mechanics.
Just because you are in the midst of a slump doesn’t mean your skills have vanished.
Be patient and know that performance over the course of a season will include some rough patches and you will, eventually, return to your previous form.
Marlins’ pitcher, Edinson Volquez, recently threw the sixth no-hitter in Marlins’ history in a 3-0 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks despite having a rough start to the year.
This performance was Volquez’s first no-hitter of his career, striking out ten and walking only two hitters, and was only his second win of the season.
Volquez matched the longest winless start to open a season in team history losing his first seven decisions before busting out of his slump with a lifetime performance and improving his record this season to 2-7.
Volquez busted out of his slump because he refused to believe that his current performance is tied to what he has done in the past. Also, Volquez trusted his ability to make pitches and be in command of his pitches which helped him stay immersed in the present moment.
Marlins’ teammate and relief pitcher, Brad Ziegler, commented on the nature of slumps and the need to keep an even keel.
Marlins’ reliever Brad Ziegler: “There’s gonna be ups, there’s gonna be downs. Just don’t let the downs get the best of you and don’t get too high with the ups. Because this game always finds a way to humble you.”
Streaks, good and bad, are just part of baseball. If you want to experience a successful career, you must embrace the ups and downs along the way.
Don’t assume that you’ll stay stuck in a slump because it happened in the past. Don’t talk yourself into a slump if you are 0-8 in the last two games!
Try This For Slump Busting
To bust out of a slump, you need to believe and trust in the skills you have. Every game is a new chapter that you get to write.
Tell yourself, “I have made it to this level because of my abilities and hard work. If I have performed well before, I can do it in today’s game.”
Buy into your abilities, not into generalizations from the past.
And improve your overall mental game this summer with The Mental Edge for Ball Players:
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?
“I wanted to say that your program is one of the contributing factors that has helped Michelle improve her hitting. Last week she had the most relaxed, confident games at bat ever! The mental exercises have started to make things click. The mental program is something she can practice in other facets of life. I am pleased that we decided to invest in your program: the results are showing.”
~Jim Ellis, Michelle’s father
“I want to thank you for your attention with my son Keith, Jr. You helped him to focus his attention on the sequential steps necessary to make the most of his at-bats. Keith went on to have one of his best baseball seasons ever. He led his team in batting average, stolen bases, RBI, and runs scored. He ended the summer with serious interest from several Division I colleges and eventually signed a letter of intent to play for Pennsylvania State University. He received a partial baseball scholarship and is now on the roster. Thanks again for your help.”
~Keith M. Donnell Sr.
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
“The mental aspects definitely separate the great performers from the unsuccessful ones. Dr. Cohn’s programs can help athletes improve the mental aspect and take performances to a higher and more consistent level.”
~Rick Hall, Baseball Coach, Daytona Beach C.C.
“Thank you so much for talking with our team. You are a great influence. The confidence material really helped me, and I will be working on that as long as I play and after. I can now step out there and just relax and play.”
~Melissa Riesberg, Clarke 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?
“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. Thanks for your help. I look forward to speaking with you again.”
~Keith Donnell, College Baseball Player
“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