How To Visualize Success In Baseball
As the Mets prepare to enter the final game on the National League Division Series tonight, fans around the country are hoping they have what it takes to become division champs.
After a close series with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team is now left with a 2-2 tie. As both teams appear fully capable of taking the title, the deciding factor of this game will come down to mindset.
For the Mets, achieving as much success as they have at this point in the season has come as a huge adjustment.
Having only made the postseason eight times in their fifty-four year history, the teams’ success and the pressure that comes with it have caused the players to have to make modifications to their mental outlook.
One resource that has been crucial to the New York Mets’ success this season has been the team’s sports psychologist, Dr. Jonathon Fader.
Fader, who recently started working with the Mets Major League system, has had a tremendous impact on the game time mindset of the players.
Through training in deep breathing, mindfulness, and stress reduction, Fader has helped the players develop the mindset necessary for success.
Speaking of the mental training offered by Fader, Mets Manager Terry Collins said:
“The idea is to slow down…Slow the heart rate down; slow the thinking process; slow it down. Instead of rushing, take a second, take a breath, and assess what’s going on here.”
With the help of sports psychology, the Mets have been doing just that.
During Spring training, Fader had a group of NAVY Seals speak to the team on deep breathing activities. In adjusting these tactics to the game of baseball, the players have found much success in maintaining a calm frame of mind.
Mets rookie Michael Conforto, has found these techniques to be crucial to success this season.
Using deep breathing techniques during at bats, Conforto is able to relax his mind and direct his focus entirely to task at hand.
“Sometimes I’ll catch myself — it’s almost like I’m holding my breath,” Conforto said. “So I just make sure I do it before every pitch.”
Success in tonight’s series final will be a true testament to the importance of a winning mindset.
By following the tips below, the New York Mets can come out on top:
- Visualize success. Believing that success is achievable is an essential aspect of meeting goals.
- Practice deep breathing and mental calmness. In the midst of an important game, it is essential to maintain mental toughness despite the pressure and excitement of the situation. Focus is key.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
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- How Wilson Contreras Improved His Mental Game
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