Mental approach to hitting

The blueprint for game-day confidence

During a hitting slump avoid the emotional turmoil, using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/mindfulness techniques, coaching confidence, nurturing the team of positive players; clearing the conscious mind, activating, and controlling your subconscious.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, And Hitting

The action plan, after, failing at the plate

The ultimate test, dealing with failure, getting out of the hitting slump. Downward, spiraling thoughts, delving deeper into the slump; self-criticism is akin to clinical depression.

Squashing negative thoughts, using a rational response:

• Automatic Thought (Self-Criticism): The negative internal dialogue, during the game.
• Cognitive Distortion: The type of negative internal dialogue.
• Rational Response (Self-Defence): The internal dialogue, defusing the negative/irrational thought/s.

Example 1

• Automatic Thought (Self-Criticism): “I’m never going to get a hit off this pitcher, he’s too good.”
• Cognitive Distortion: Jumping to conclusions (fortune teller error, mind-reading), all-or-nothing thinking.
• Rational Response (Self-Defence): “I’m an excellent hitter, and ready for the challenge, see the ball, relax, and see what happens.”

Example 2

• Automatic Thought (Self-Criticism): “I’m a terrible hitter because I strike out all the time.”
• Cognitive Distortion: Labeling/Mislabeling.
• Rational Response (Self-Defence): “I’m not a terrible hitter, everyone strikes out, it’s part of the game. I’m going to make some swing adjustments, and keep trying my best to improve.”

Example 3

• Automatic Thought (Self-Criticism): “I feel like I’m never going to get a hit.”
• Cognitive Distortion: All-or-nothing thinking.
• Rational Response (Self-Defence): “I’m having a run of bad luck, I’m hitting the ball hard, but right at people. This is a good sign, things will turn around. I’m going to work the batting count, tracking the ball, aiming to stay up the middle/opposite field.”

Example 4

• Automatic Thought (Self-Criticism): “I don’t want to be the last out – everyone on the team will blame me for losing the game.”
• Cognitive Distortion: All or nothing thinking, jumping to conclusions.
• Rational Response (Self-Defence): “I am going to enjoy the challenge of a clutch situation. Relax, don’t think, and see the ball. Getting out is a part of the game, my teammates/coaches won’t blame me; it’s a team effort.”

Strategy to improve batting performance

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy creates a positive mind, talk yourself into feeling fast, strong, prepared for the challenge/unbeatable, clearing negative thoughts; feeling good about the upcoming at-bat. Thoughts control the emotions, thinking positive grows confidence for success; use the on-deck circle, preparing your mind, for example:

“I feel good today.”
“I’m going to crush this guy.”
“I own this pitcher.”
“I am seeing the baseball great out of the pitcher’s hand.”