Keeping Your Head in the Game
Have you ever had a critical mental lapse while competing in baseball?
Lapses in concentration can affect players at every level of the game.
The causes of mental lapses are numerous, such as:
- Inability to re-focus after each play when concentration naturally relaxes
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Mistakes/errors
- Bad calls
- Negative thoughts
- The need to be perfect
- Over-thinking
In fact, this recently occurred to Chicago Cub shortstop Starlin Castro.
In the fifth inning of a game against the Cardinals, St Louis loaded the bases with one out. Matt Carpenter hit a lazy pop up into shallow left field and third base umpire Ron Kulpa put the infield fly rule into effect. Castro drifted under the ball, waived off the left fielder and made the catch.
Then something inexplicable happened, Castro put his head down and casually took a couple of steps toward the foul line before realizing the play was still alive.
The runner at third base, Jon Jay took advantage of Castro’s lapse, racing to the plate to score despite a late throw home by Castro. The runner at third base, Jon Jay, took advantage of Castro’s lapse and sprinted to the plate.
The Cardinals now led 2-0 and were on their way to a 4-0 victory.
When Castro returned to the dugout between innings, he was immediately benched by Cubs’ manger, Dale Sveum, for his mental error.
After the game, Castro stated, “It’s my fault. I apologize, especially to Woody (pitcher Travis Wood) and my teammates and the coaches. It’s my fault.” Castro further stated, “I knew the outs and everything. I just put my head down, like a mental mistake. I don’t really want to say any excuse for that.” (240)
Castro, 23, is a four-year veteran and two-time NL All-Star who has not played to the level of his first three years. Castro is hitting .238 with seven homers and 32 RBIs. Castro’s previous three he batted .300, .307 and .283.
Castro stated, “This is a big slump for me. It has been a tough year for me but I don’t put my head down. I keep positive every day … try to finish strong and get ready for next year.”
Sveum re-inserted Castro in the lineup the next day and said, “These kinds of things happen from time to time. I don’t think this kid can get better by not playing.”
Sveum acknowledged Castro’s difficulties, “We all know his struggles at the plate as well,” and followed up with, “Sometimes things click, sometimes people hit rock bottom and that’s the last time you see it, but let’s not kid ourselves. There could be another gaffe along the line. But there’s a time and place where you hope all these things stop completely and it all kicks in.”
Mental focus can help you avoid mental errors.
Athletes assume they can easily switch gears come game time but in times of stress, habits are revealed.
Focus is a matter of knowing your job and game situations.
Mental focus is a skill requiring repetition every day in practice and in games.
Tips for improving focus on the field:
- Remind yourself on the situation after each pitch (count, baserunners, score, etc.)
- Develop a Readiness Cue. This cue will signal your mind/ body that you are ready for the play (ex. tap your glove to your thigh).
- Do it in practice! Habits require repetition, so practice how you want to play.
If you need help with your mental game, contact Dr. Cohn at Peak Performance Sports.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- 6 Common Mental Game Errors For Hitters
- Mental Toughness is a Baseball Skill
- How Wilson Contreras Improved His Mental Game
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