A game can be won or lost before players even step on the field. Holding a negative attitude or lacking confidence will hamper an athlete’s performance just as much as any injury would. It’s a long season and slumps happen but here are some ways to help players maintain a positive mental attitude no matter what in youth baseball.

Process, Not Outcome

This piece of advice will continue to pay off well after they’ve played their final frame – focus on the process, not the outcome. No one can control the outcome, no matter how hard they've prepared. However, they are always in control of their preparation. It does not matter if they are 0-10 or 8-10, focus on constant skill improvement and the rest will follow.

Encourage them to set big goals but help them with the plan to achieve them. This plan becomes their process. By setting reachable benchmarks along the way, they will see the benefit of the process and how it is helping bring their dreams to life.

Promote Positive Self Talk

Not to be confused with cockiness, positive self talk is a great way to maintain a positive mental attitude. Teach your team to not focus on the failures or aspects of their game they wish to improve. Instead, encourage them to focus on the aspects of their game and accomplishments that they are proud of. They can always shore up their game but if they lack self-confidence, that effort won’t translate to the field. When you teach your team healthy ways to be confident in themselves, the results will show up in the box score.

Visualization Leads to Success

Young people love to dream big. Their imaginations are free to create entire worlds in the blink of an eye. As a coach, you can lean into this by teaching them visualization techniques. Have them picturing what it would be like to launch one into the gap before they even step into the batter’s box. Have them envision getting a big strikeout or making a tough catch. When your ballplayers can imagine having success on the field, it will start to become a reality.

Relaxation is Key

The Sandlot had it right – don’t think, just swing. Staying free of distractions allows ballplayers to remain focused on the moment. Whether at bat or in the field, they need to make lightning quick decisions. Teach your team relaxation techniques that will help them breathe easier and remain locked in throughout the game.

Bring Your Winning Mindset to the GSBL

Give your team the chance to compete against the best baseball players in Minnesota by joining the MYAS Gopher State Baseball League. Our league consists of bona fide associations and schools with age ranges from 9U to 19U. Join us as we push our athletes to be their best both on and off the field, register your team today.