Take a very slow deep breath, and if you made an error earlier in the game, don’t think about the error, think about how you’re going to be successful this time around. For instance, you need to know exactly what to do with the ball if it comes in your direction – are you trying to turn a double play? Cut down a runner heading for the plate? Where should you look if you catch a line drive? Once each play is complete, you can take a break and step out of your safe spot to reassess the game situation in front of you. If you made a mistake – whether it be mental or physical – you let it go upon stepping into this area. There aren’t many “safe” places on the field, but this is yours. When you’re in this pre-determined area, nothing can distract you, not the weather, fans, things that don’t pertain to softball (school, exams, friends, etc.), or the other team. Whatever you want to call it for yourself, find a spot on the field that is your area to stand prior to every pitch being delivered. How can you start your journey on achieving that kind of optimal focus? Here are three steps you can take:Įveryone has a different name for getting in the zone. That level of getting into the zone takes years of effort. Billy Chapel did a pretty good job of ignoring them most of the game. Softball players know how lonely it can get while standing in the pitcher’s circle – just imagine what it feels like at Yankee Stadium with a bunch of screaming fans. How cool was that? It was as if he was just playing pick-up baseball in his backyard once he blocked out all the noise. ![]() ![]() One of our favorite sports movies, For The Love of The Game gives us an idea of exactly what it’s like. Just as much as the sport is physical, it’s also mental. For a game that involves as much failure as softball, being strong mentally and getting to that point is necessary. We hear stories about how athletes get into “the zone” all the time, and for many, achieving this level of optimal focus where nothing else matters is crucial to their success.
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