Be More Consistent on the Field
What interferes with the ability to perform consistently?
Baseball and softball players yearn for consistent performance. However, consistency eludes many players.
Why is consistency so tricky for some players? Why are some players up one day and down the next?
Too often, players fail to see the big picture. They erroneously believe consistency means winning every game, getting four hits, or striking out ten hitters every game.
These players equate consistency with streaks. Then, if they have a couple of one-hit games or lose to a winless team, they start questioning themselves. They lose their confidence and expect a run of “bad” games.
You can think of inconsistency and consistency in this manner: Inconsistency is similar to driving through hills and valleys, while consistency is traveling on a relatively flat road. When you are inconsistent, you are playing well one day, and everything is looking up, but the next few games, you drastically underperform, and you feel like your play is on a downward turn.
Consistency, on the other hand, is driving along a somewhat flat road with occasional potholes. Sometimes, the pothole or bad game is unavoidable. For instance, you are playing against a team that is collectively having a great game or getting all the breaks. However, consistency is rising to challenges, avoiding potholes when you can, or getting back on track quickly after a loss.
You can bounce back after an unfortunate game when you have a clear understanding of consistency and a positive perspective.
During the early part of the 2024 MLB season, the Minnesota Twins were on a 12-game winning streak before the Boston Red Sox beat the Twins 9-2. Interestingly, the Twins were not focused on winning every game but playing their best each game. They saw the loss as one event and focused on moving forward and taking advantage of the opportunities in front of them.
Twins shortstop Carlos Correa attributes the team’s consistency to a “big picture” mentality.
“It did feel like every time an opportunity arose in the past 12 games, it felt like we were always coming through. Today was just one of the days that we’re not able to do that. But at the same time, looking at the big picture, it’s been a couple of good weeks. We’ve just got to keep going.”
When you have a clear view of consistency, you steer clear of unrealistic expectations. You no longer feel the pressure of having to win or needing to get a hit every plate appearance. You merely focus on playing the best ball you can in the moment, with no thoughts of past events or expectations of perfection.
Challenge your view of consistency. Do you see consistency as perfection? Do you believe consistency is winning every game?
When you understand what consistency is and is not, your mind will work for you rather than against you, your confidence will become stable, you will be able to play at a high level regularly, and you will be a more resilient player.
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Be a Consistent Hitter According to Harper
- Become a Consistent Ballplayer
- Mariano Rivera: How to Be a Consistent Performer
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