"Don't Panic"

Baseball IS the toughest sport in the world. Maybe I'm biased, but in my opinion there is no arguing that statement. It is a sport where you have the least amount of control as a player, and a sport where it's so easy to get stuck between the ears. I have mentioned that I have been around many great baseball minds, and one in particular made it clear to me that in baseball, whatever you do, "don't panic." 

The best teams are the ones where no matter what happens through the course of a game, they always look the same. They are committed to winning the next pitch. I have also seen teams where one mistake or ill fortune has the ability to make the game speed up dramatically… and things tend to spin out of control. The best teams have slow heartbeats whether things are going well or not... they don't panic. 

So how do you coach that? First, I think it is important for all teams to experience adversity, but then pitch by pitch find a way to overcome (example: come from behind victory). Also, part of it is creating a culture where there is a will to compete ALWAYS. A culture where competition is everything. Where it's me against you, and I'm going to find a way to win. Are you always going to win? No way, not in this game, but if you approach each pitch with that mindset, I think your chances are better. 

So when it comes to "it's me against you, and I'm going to find a way to win," what does that look like? For me, it does NOT look like gritting your teeth, and wanting to punch someone in the face. For me it looks like a guy in complete control of the moment, controlling his breathing, slowing the game down, but ready to attack. For me, the most important thing in terms of competition and being in the right mindset is between the ears.

"The best players are the ones that know how to talk to themselves." In a game like baseball, I believe this to be one of the most important aspects of competition. For example, what's going through your head when you are 0-2 with two punch outs? Option A: Doubt and fear. Option B: "You may have gotten me so far, but good luck this time." Who you going to put your money on?? What I love in coaching this game is seeing a guy who has struggled, maybe he's 0-4, but mentally be in a position where the next opportunity (5th at bat) is all that matters...where they have the look of a guy not trying to force success. 

Being able to talk to yourself doesn't just happen by chance. It needs to be practiced just like your swing or mechanics. Self-awareness is essential. You need to know when the mind is starting to wander, or when doubt starts to creep in, and talk yourself into getting into the mindset to compete. Each player has two players in them. 1) The positive, in the moment player, 2) the negative, self-degrading player... we have all been there. So a couple questions. Which one of those two players within us has the best chance to get out of a slump? Which one of those two players within us has the best chance to win their 5th at bat after starting 0-4? Which one of those two players within us has the best chance to help their team win? The answer is pretty simple, so why not practice helping yourself make that happen? The unfortunate thing is many players are reluctant to do so.

There are many resources out there to help players and coaches practice their mind. One of the best resources I have gotten my hands on is "Heads up Baseball." It essentially a guide to help players stay in compete mode. Ken Ravizza is one of the authors; he is considered the godfather of sports psychology, and he works with many professional teams and athletes. One he works with is Evan Longoria. If you have not seen this video that highlights some of the "tools" Longoria uses to help him compete, do yourself a favor and take a look. 

Appreciating the need to practice your mind will help you compete, and will provide the feeling of not needing to panic. You will be in control of what's in front of you because most importantly you are in control of yourself. 

If you are a player, do yourself a favor in the meantime: become more self-aware, know your pulse, utilize breaths, understand how you are feeling in the present moment. If you are off kilter, make the conscious effort to talk yourself into a better state of mind. Slow the game down so you can compete your ass off. Not by gritting your teeth, but by looking weightless. From there, ATTACK. This can be done between the ears. 

Thanks for reading! 

Yours in Baseball, 

Burm