Mastering the Mental Game

[softballperformance]

Following yesterday's email about mastering the mental game, I
want to share with you an important concept for really mastering
it.

What is the best way to work on the mental game?

- In a classroom with a coach or a mental training
consultant talking about it?
- Using small group discussions?
- By reading books on the topic?
- By filling up questionnaires?
- By doing mental training exercises such as lying down on
the floor, lights turned off, and eyes closed vizualizing
success or working on your deep breathing?

Well, all of these methods are valid and can be useful to teach
the mental game.

However, none of them are the best way to really master the
mental game.

What is THE best way?

Integrate it right into your practices. Nothing will ever be
as effective as talking about, practicing it and implementing
mental training techniques right on the field.

Why? The more specific it is, the more realistic it is, the
more successful it will be.

I will give you an analogy - what is the best way to practice
hitting; facing a pitching machine or live pitching?

Of course, live pitching is much better because realistic.

The same idea applies to mental training. If you only keep
mental training for team meetings or out-of-practice
context, you will not get the most bang for your buck.

So, when you work on defense or on offense, also include things
like what to think, how to react, how to behave, what to focus
on, how to control emotion, how to manage stress, how to
breath, etc. in their specific context.

This is how you will really be able to "master" the mental game.

Play hard.

Marc Dagenais
"Your Personal Softball Peak Performance Coach"

P.S. Do you do any mental training at all despite the fact
that you know that it is THE most important part of the
game or you leave it to chance?