How To Play Baseball: Letting Go of A Poor At-Bat

Poor past performances can lead to fearful situations for players. A hitter must realize that the past cannot affect the present if he does not allow it. He cannot let one poor atbat affect the rest of his game. The hitter has to play one pitch at a time, one atbat at a time, and one game at a time. A hitter who has a hitting routine is more likely to stay in the present. The hitter with a routine concentrates on a series of personal preparatory actions, allowing him to play one pitch at a time. Outside the batter’s box, he visualizes and goes through some preparatory action, then settles into the box using self-talk and before the pitch, he takes a deep breath and slowly releases it to achieve relaxation. The best concentration can be achieved by sucking a small amount of air in as the pitcher reaches his release point. This sends oxygen to the brain which increases mental functioning. Staying in the present by using his hitting routine and knowing he has prepared for this atbat through proper practice gives him additional confidence that can overcome fear. Proper practice must include putting the hitter into fearful situations and allowing him to have success. This is an excellent way to read players of fearful thoughts from past performances. During a game, a hitter must have a way to mentally and emotionally let go of a poor atbat so that does not affect the remainder of his present game performance. Sports psychologist Ken Ravizza recommends having a battery-operated toilet in the dugout. If a hitter strikes out, when he comes back to the dugout, he flushes the atbat, and all the mental and emotional baggage away with it. We have used this method as did Skip Bertman at LSU for many years, and it is proven to be helpful. A coach simply patting a player on the back following a poor atbat can renew a hitter’s resolve and emotionally calm him down. Any of these techniques can be helpful. As a coach, we must be aware of and meet our individual player’s needs when they fail or experience fear. Players will experience one of three emotions when they are in a competitive situation, fight, flight, or freeze. Knowing how the individual choose to handle it allows the coach to combat it. We must allow them their self-expression. A fighter is prepared for battle and wants to be in that situation. He needs little emotional support but can be over zealous. Therefore, reminding him to use his hitting routine or how the pitcher is pitching previously could give him the proper focus. These players may show more emotion after a poor atbat, than before or during. For instance, if he fails, he might become angry. The coach, allowing an acceptable release of anger without affecting the team mates or the team values, shows the player that the coach understands him and his needs. We have a small share at the end of our dugout and allow the angry player to go in to the shed, close the door, and let it loose. We do not allow the throwing of helmets or bats on the field for example, because that would break team rules. However, some players must have an emotional release if the coach expects him to return, prepare to play, one pitch at a time. The player who chooses a flight response would want to opt out on the situation. He must ask, “What is the worst thing that can happen if I fail? Do I think my teammates and coaching staff will support me regardless of the outcome of this atbat?” The player must be convinced that the team is behind him and believes in him. The coach may have the team show their support by all holding hands in the dugout as a sign of unity during this player’s atbat. Encouraging the player to hang in there is essential. The player who freezes is overwhelmed by this situation. This player may be reminded that we all face difficult situations in life, and especially in baseball. Remind the player that the way to deal with pressure atbat is to use his normal hitting routine, visualize success, take a deep breath in between pitches, and use positive self-talk. Again, the team showing and expressing confidence in the player is often effective. Players have a different variety of mental barriers and they must receive assistance from coaches and team mates if they are expected to overcome them. Player awareness for coaches is paramount to team success. Find the players in practice who are mentally capable of performing in stressful and fearful game situations. Continue drilling those who falter, preparing each player and seeking improvement in team depth.