Athletes come to compete ready to do their best. They train hard after putting a lot of hours practicing and improving their skills. But, is this enough in order to do one’s best? Derek Jeter showed up to play not expecting to do his best, but with a prepared state of mind that would help him to achieve his best. One of his mental preparations was that of managing what he can control without worrying about what the opponent could.
Focusing on what is in front of you rather than on distracting circumstances sets great players apart. In baseball and in other sports, athletes are constantly challenged to remain focused despite the many distractions that take place before and during competition. To start, players are inundated with statistical numbers that only serve to guide decision makers to evaluate players, but it is surely a major distraction for players. When Derek stepped at the plate to bat, he went through his mental routine that helped him block distractions. He concentrated on his pre-swing routine, used mental imagery to successfully see the outcome of his swing and took a breath. He did not expect to make contact at every swing, but rather to continue with his routine as he knew that was the only process that he can control.
Yogi Berra said,“ I cannot hit and think at the same time.” What a great statement, which speaks to the importance of remaining focused on your skills and fully trust in your efforts. Keeping the swing process simple is a great recipe to staying focused. Many players put too much emphasis on the technique or the outcome they really hope to achieve. However, this strategy only adds to the already nervous situation, which leads to muscle stiffness and poor swinging.
To help you achieve your best, focus on what you can manage:
1- Make sure you have a pre-set routine that can be followed every time. It will help you to keep distractions from getting in the way of your process.
2- Imagine the bat making contact with the ball; do not expect to hit a home run or bringing a player in for a score. Just focus on what you can do.