Pressure? What pressure? How to handle it like a pro

(2 minute read time)

I’ve been loving watching my hometown team, the Rays, in the playoffs.  It’s been so great having a baseball game every night these days!  

This year though, I really got to thinking more about the mental aspect of the game.  For sure baseball already requires a high level of skill both physically and mentally.  And, whether you’re a baseball fan or not the mental fortitude these players demonstrate is admirable.  I’ll prove it to you.    

Think about this, MOST of the time hitters fail.  On average, hits happen only 25% of the time. 

What if you knew MOST of the time you did something you routinely do, it was not going to end up the way you’d like?

Studies have shown that mathematically it’s highly unlikely a player should ever be able to hit the ball.  Hitters only have about ¼ of a second to decide, because in the amount of time it takes to blink – the ball has crossed the plate.      

There’s already limited time and a limited chance of success.  Now, let’s add in the pressure of the playoffs.  A championship title on the line and perhaps future career moves are at stake.  What’s a player to do?

They need to do the same thing you or I need to do when we feel like our backs are up against the wall.  When it feels like there’s little chance we’ll get a hit.  Or it feels like there’s no time to figure out the best move.   And when it feels like getting it right is crucial to your future.        

What we need to do is decide…  

Decide that the last at-bat doesn’t matter.  Past failure only means something right now if we let it.  

Decide that you have the exact amount of time you need.  Wishing you had more time only takes up time, get to work – give it what you got for the amount of time you got. Negotiate for more time when it’s truly necessary, otherwise, just give it your best.         

Decide that getting it right doesn’t always look the way we imagined.  It’s better to get struck out swinging than looking.  It’s still a strikeout but you showed up for the occasion and sometimes just showing up IS getting it right my friends.          

It’s not just athletes who need coaching, we all do. I can definitely help.  Click here to chat!