Why do some slumps last longer for some players?
Why do some players experience more ups and downs throughout the season?
Your perspective on slumps significantly influences your thought patterns and can either lead to a breakthrough or a breakdown.
Many slumping players try to think their way out of a slump. They tinker with mechanics and over-analyze their circumstances. These slumping players are constantly in “figure things out” mode.
They seek advice from everyone and try to work on 4-5 different suggestions simultaneously. Their minds become so overloaded with data and technical advice that they become trapped in their thoughts.
These players press at the plate, try to hit the ball a little harder, throw with more velocity, and force things on the base paths. Elite players perform their best when having fun, playing the game, and trusting their instincts.
Overthinkers disregard all the elements that contributed to peak play before their slump and are perplexed about being stuck in a performance rut. When you are playing your best ball, you are relaxed and going with the flow.
You are not trying to figure out how to continue playing your best. You take things as they come. You are patient at the plate, relaxed on the mound, and confident on the field
During the 2024 MLB season, the Philadelphia Phillies lost 11 of 15 games since the All-Star break. The Phillies were on pace to win 113 games on June 8 and had a 10-game lead in the National League East.
Slowly, the Phillies saw their division lead dwindle. However, the Phillies did not panic They believe that if they stick to the process, they will return to their successful early-season play. Phillies manager Rob Thomson talked to his players about simplifying the process.
THOMSON: “I think it’s bringing up the facts. You’ve got to get back to normal You’ve got to just try to do the things that you do best. And not try to do too much. So get strikes, hit strikes, use the field, pass the baton. If you’re a pitcher, you’ve got to throw strikes, you’ve got to trust your stuff and attack and try not to do too much.”
Slumps are common in sports. However, staying stuck in a slump is often due to your thoughts and actions. You can return to peak play more quickly when you replicate the preparation and thought patterns from your best games.
When you are away from the field, review some of your best games and identify the factors that contributed to your peak play.
What were you thinking or not thinking? When you played, were you aware of any conscious thoughts? What was your mindset before those games? Were you having fun? Were you relaxed? What did you focus on?
Rather than trying to think about what is wrong with your game, switch your focus to replicating what has worked in the past.
And be careful not to change your approach altogether as this can lead you into a training mindset.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- Tips to Get Out of a Baseball Hitting Slump
- How to Not Turn 0 for 8 Into a Slump
- Mental Tips for an Early Season Hitting Slump?
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