How to Prep For Confidence
What different forms of preparation help a softball or baseball player perform at their peak?
As you already know, preparation builds your confidence. When you prepare for possible scenarios in a game, you will feel confident in your ability to handle that situation with little mental interference and physical tension.
Preparation is not just about quantity (the number of hours you practice); it’s the quality of your preparation that shapes your game performance.
The most effective strategy to boost your confidence is to increase your level of preparation. When you holistically prepare, you make the possible probable.
That type of high confidence is a game-changer for any ballplayer.
What you may not know is that there are several levels of preparation
- Practice preparation is the time to work on your physical conditioning, mechanics, scouting, repetition, trust in your game, and mental skills.
- Pre-game preparation helps you warm up your body, calm jitters, gain comfort with the playing conditions, narrow your focus on the game, review your game plan, and prepare yourself to compete.
- Pre-pitch Preparation allows you to reset for the next pitch, remind yourself of the game situation, and immerse yourself in the moment.
When you work to develop this type of steadfast confidence, you can take your game from good to great.
Cincinnati Reds rookie shortstop Elly De La Cruz has made several big plays in his first 37 big league games. In a game against the San Francisco Giants,
De Le Cruz hurled a 99.8 mph throw to narrowly beat out a runner at home plate. The play helped Cincinnati defeat San Francisco 5-1 and remain in the playoff hunt as the season winds down.
De La Cruz had no doubts about his ability to make the throw…
De La CRUZ: “I knew on that throw I was going to be able to throw it as quickly as possible. I’m just ready every time to throw whatever is needed. We had to get that guy out at home. But you know what? I can definitely throw harder than that.”
De La Cruz was confident in his ability to make the throw because he prepared to make the throw over and over. De La Cruz has made similar throws hundreds of times in practice.
He has built confidence in his arm strength and accuracy. De La Cruz is consistent with his mental preparation before each game. During games, De La Cruz reminds himself, before each pitch, of the game situation and what he needs to do depending on where the ball is hit.
Never underestimate the power of preparation. Preparation gives you the confidence to take your game to the next level.
Create a grid with two columns labeled “Mental” and “Physical” preparation. Then, make three rows: “Practice,” “Pre-Game,” and “Pre-Pitch.”
Write 2-3 important reminders in each category to direct your focus during practice. Make sure to update your plan weekly, as some tasks may change.
Practice with a purpose instead of going through the motions without objectives.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- New Season Mental Preparation
- 4 Mental Skills for Pregame Mental Preparation for Baseball
- How to Develop a Ball Player Championship Mindset
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Instilling Confidence in Baseball And Softball Players
Confidence, more than any other mental game attribute, is vital for your team’s success. If your players have it and know how to keep it, they maximize their success. Your team cannot reach their full potential unless each player can harness the power of stable and enduring self-confidence–so your team can perform as a confident team.
Your players might possess a ton of physical talent, have great coaching, and train harder or practice more than anyone else in your league, but if they do not have the self-confidence to match, your team can’t utilize this talent.
“Instilling Confidence in Baseball and Softball Players” program consists of one 72-minute audio CD that includes 7 days of confidence-fueling exercises. You’ll also receive a simple-to-follow 74-page coaches’ manual that guides you through the 7 team session you’ll conduct!