Mental Game

The title of the book uses the words “Having A Softball Head”. This means knowing what to do and how to play with a consistent, confident, mental attitude. This attitude should be second nature, automatic, as if playing by instinct. It goes beyond common sense, almost if I dare say to a sixth sense. This “Having A Softball Head” book starts by developing the mental game of softball.
The first building block of successful Fastpitch softball is mental strength and self-control. Many coaches have seen young potential All-American athletes never receive the playing opportunities and exposure because of their bad attitude that negatively affects the team and their self. It is imperative that parents and coaches incorporate a training program for positive mental techniques and preparedness as it relates to the individual ballplayer and team’s goals. A ballplayer needs to learn how to focus on the positive aspects of their play. Always concentrate on the next play and ignore previous mistakes.

 

Using a forward thinking mental focus will keep a player in the game. This is playing the game “one pitch at a time.” Thinking this way eliminates dwelling on the mistake during play and guides the player to focus positively on the next opportunity. Successful execution; of the next out, hit or whatever the play, is the objective. There is a story about how Jack Nicklaus, perhaps the greatest and most successful professional golfer, that ideally exhibits this attitude. In an interview, a reporter asked Mr. Nicklaus about a specific shot that went awry in a previous match. Mr. Nicklaus responded after a healthy pause, “I don't recall”. This clearly illustrates the concept of a forward thinking mental focus.

At times, it means insensitivity to the situation, which for some girls is difficult; but it is a valuable lesson nurtured by continual game pressure situations.

 

 

If, however, they make a good play that was memorable and a success, they should be encouraged to store it in her mind computer for future recall. Many commercially available programs can improve mental attitude and work ethic. These programs seem to have the following common themes:

 

• Focus only on your strengths and abilities. List them and recall them when needed in game situations.

• Recall previous successes and relate them to the situation you are in now.

• Successfully visualize your next action or play even if it has not happened before.

• Use relaxation breathing to gain control of your body and mind allowing proper focus and respect.

• Repeat on a daily basis and especially game day self-help messages to yourself attesting to your strengths and goals (for example: I am a great contact hitter)

• Consider all plays, even the toughest, as opportunities and challenges to compete and succeed.

• Positively compliment yourself and your teammates every play as if you or they are your best friend.

• Have trust and confidence that your practice and preparation time has adequately prepared you for the situation at hand.

• Success is attained when you focus on the process and mentally start toward your goals. It is important to understand that being successful is not about the result but about the process.

• Lastly, realize it is up to you to be successful (you are responsible for you).

Although the mental aspect of the game is not discussed in more detail here, do not interpret this to mean it is not as important as the other topics. It is! On a level playing field with athletes and teams of equal physical abilities, the winning edge goes to the mentally strong team. That team prepares by learning and practicing the mental techniques and aspects of the game. The next three building blocks of successful Fastpitch softball are discussed in the following three chapters. Along with the proper mental focus, we build upon the areas of competitive softball that make up the foundational building blocks for learning how to have a softball head. These chapters include information on the nutrition (body fueling), strength training, and speed training, which are the rest of the foundation blocks necessary to become a successful softball player.

 

 

MY FAVORITE DRILLS - MENTAL GAME

 

BUCKET OF BALLS
Objective
To demonstrate that a team together can achieve more than an individual

 

Explanation
Each player on team selects a pool ball, or any heavy object, that has their number on it. These balls or objects are then placed in a bukcet and the bucket is placed in the dugout. Coach explains that any one teammate can throw their ball or object easily, but that it requires the team to move the total bucket, which accomplishes a much greate goal. The bucket then acts as a symbol of the strength of the team verses the individual.

 

 

BATTER'S FOCUS
objective
Batter must try to stay focused on hitting while tuning out all distractions

 

Explanation
Batter takes position at a plate. Three or four teammates surround the batter far enough away the batter can swing, but can still hear teammates talking. On command, player ONE talks directy to the better about her appearance (in such a manner to distract her). Player TWO talks to batter about an event she was involved in. Player THREE yells at her. If there is a player FOUR, that player talks about something personal, but not over some boundaries. The batter then tries to stay focused on hitting a ball that is in front tossed to her by a coach or teammate.

 

 

FOCAL POINTS
objective
To work on positive reinforcement of skills and confidence from previous experiences. (used for team but also can be used for individuals)

 

Explanation
Place a sign in the dugout or somewhere in the ballpark that is visible to all teammates. The sign should represent one of the team's previous successes. Example: A sign of a League Championship won by the team the previous year. This is used as a confidence reminder and positive reinforcement.