We have seen the "dedicated" players on the field.  As soon as the game or practice is over, the thought of softball never enters their minds. We are not saying that you should do nothing but think softball--we all have many other interests and responsibilities, but you must train your mind and make the time to do your softball-related homework, as well as your school work.

Because preparation for a game begins the night before.  
Reviewing batting mechanics, fielding mechanics, situations and the like, in front of a mirror, in your back yard and IN YOUR MIND.

 

As long as you convince your brain that you can do things right, you will be able to do them right. The more you practice at home the more you will convince your mind you can do these things.

 

Then once you get to the playing field you will be less stressed and more at ease.  When you are at ease, you play better.

Did you ever wonder how the really good players always seem to never get rattled?

 

Is it because they have no emotions?  NO 

 

It is because they take the time to practice at home, they think of their mechanics over and over, they become relaxed and confident and sure of themselves.

They combat the stress at home or before the game.  They do not wait until the situation presents itself like most players do.   When you wait for the situation to arise then try to combat it, you have uncertainty, fear of failing and some panic.  Then it is too late to deal with it, and that is when the mistakes are made.

The dedicated players will find ways to recognize when they are getting stressed out and find a simple way to ease that stress quickly.  All players make errors, but we have all seen players get so down on themselves they get moody, won't talk to others, throw things, cry, etc. They very rarely let it go during that game and will usually be so set on making up for the mistake they unwittingly go into a panic when they are called upon to perform again and will make more mistakes.

 

A way to combat this is the "bubble philosophy" we firmly believe in.  When you are in position, you have a bubble around you where your head is clear and ready to react.  You are not thinking of anything but the next pitch and where you are going to throw the ball if it comes to you.

After the pitch or play, step out of your bubble, glance around you, think about what you did wrong if you made an error, then say good bye to the error forever.   Step back into your bubble, take a deep breath and loosen yourself up again. Get on the balls of your feet, stay loose and get ready to react to the next pitch.

Nothing is worse for a team than the player who says, "I am harder on myself than anyone else could be during a game". This brings your teammates down with you, because they are spending too much time trying to get you over your madness and they should be trying to keep themselves focused. Yes, you can be hard on yourself and expect more of yourself, but once you become carried away with it, you tear your team down.

After the game get mad at yourself for the mistakes you may have made, but review in your mind over and over the right way to make the play. Do not throw your tantrums during the game.