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Baseball and Concentration
This is an
area that receives so little attention yet it is so important to
learn. I believe it should be part of all good coaching. You can
start right at tee-ball. Granted that some will learn quicker than
others will and at different degrees, but just mentioning it often is
a great learning tool.
This is
all part of what I like to call "mental mechanics".
Coach Joe Hernandez
Coutesy of Karlene Sugarman, M.A.
Sport Psychology Consultant
Distractions are a big part of baseball, so players must learn how to handle them so performance isn't diminished. A loss of focus will usually result in lost opportunities, more errors, and opponents taking advantage of your lack of focus. If you're not focusing 100%, you are not performing at your highest potential.
If your concentration is broken, or you have trouble regaining focus, there are a few ways to deal with this:
1. Rituals
- Rituals help to calm you down and focus on the task at hand. They
provide consistency to your approach, which intensifies your focus
and increases confidence. You can have pre-game rituals as well as
rituals for during a game. They give you a sense of control and
stability in an unstable environment. Get pre-performance
ritual/routine down before the season starts so that you're
comfortable with it.
Many
athletes use changing into their uniform as a trigger to get ready to
go play.
2. Focal points - These serve as a release to get rid of any unproductive thoughts. Pick a stable point on your field and have that be the place you go to when you lose your focus or are distracted. Focus in on that one thing (2nd base, glove, bat, etc.), and take a deep breath so you can regain your composure and put your focus back on yourself and the task at hand.
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Notice, the examples I mentioned are things that are very specific and will be at all fields no matter where you play. If you were to pick a specific sign on your outfield wall, what would you do at away games? This is why it's necessary to pick something that will always be there, no matter where you are playing. |
3. Other releases - Pick up some dirt and then "throw away" negative emotions. Or, go over to your bag and put your negative emotions in it and "zip it up." Be creative and find something that works well for you.
You need to be absorbed in the moment and forget everything else.
The best
competitors forget who they are competing against, forget about the
crowd; they are just immersed in the moment - the fun, the challenge,
the task at hand.
You focus
only on yourself, your teammates and getting things done that need to
be done RIGHT
NOW.
Anything
else will cause you to falter.
If
everyone concentrated on what they needed to do, the team as a whole
would be much better off. Staying in the present and focused on the
task at hand cannot be stressed enough - it will play a huge role in
your achieving your goals.
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