September 27, 2023
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How To Break A Hitting Slump Right Now – 42 Things To Tell Yourself At The Plate

Laura05 mins

Every day, I get calls from players, parents and coaches who want to break hitting slumps or to end hitting slumps quickly and efficiently.

The callers typically say things like, “My son is great in the cage, but he is terrible when the pressure is on and when is at the plate.”

“My kid has a great swing. He is mechanically perfect. He works with a top hitting coach. He looks different when he gets up to bat in a big game.”

“I was a great hitter in high school and in college. I have not been able to hit at all, since I started to play pro ball.”

Now, some hitting slumps are more complicated to break than are others. However, there is one thing that has helped lots of baseball players to end frustrating slumps. And that is adjusting what they are thinking or telling themselves when they prepare to hit during a game.

You can think of this idea as kind of mantra or a swing thought for baseball hitters. Hitters need to train their mind to be calm, focused, confident and relaxed. Telling a player to do this usually does not help them to end their slump.

Rather, they need to be trained to approach hitting somewhat differently. Part of this training involves examining and adjusting the hitter’s self-talk related to the art of hitting.

I encourage players to have either one swing thought or an empty mind when they get enter the batter’s box.

The right swing thought can help with focus, relaxation, confidence and actual performance. Some players need to change these swing thoughts from time to time to maintain a fresh and effective outlook about hitting.

Here are some examples of swing thoughts which players seem to find helpful:

I am going to hit it into the gap.

Gap it.

Rip it over second base.

Bat on the ball.

Hit it hard.

Watch the path of the ball.

See it. Hit it.

I’ve done this a million times.

I will trust my swing.

I am a.350 hitter.

Attack any ball in my zone.

I control the plate.

Focus

Turn on it

The ball goes where my hands send it.

The ball goes where I tell it to go.

It’s me the bat, the ball nothing else.

The bat is an extension of me.

The bat is my weapon.

Make great contact.

I love this game.

I love hitting.

Crush it.

Crush it now.

Still eyes, still head.

Swing 85 per cent. That will do it.

Easy does it.

See the ball.

Center of the plate.

This is fun.

I’m having fun up here.

Center of the plate fat part of the bat.

Bat meets ball.

It’s just like being in the cage.

Drive it.

Just hit it.…

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Things Parents Should Never Say to Athletes

Laura04 mins

In my many years of teaching baseball and softball, coaching and parenting, I have noticed that parents often put pressure on kids without even realizing that is what they are doing. This pressure leads to tension between parents and their sports playing kids that may never go away. Parents feel like they are just trying to help their kids but the kids are getting a different message.
Of course, it is important to realize that small amounts of tension between parents and kids are unavoidable because of the various emotions that playing youth sports creates for all. Occasional tension, frustration and failure to meet expectations is normal and does not threaten long-term relationships. However, parents often overdo their scrutiny of their child’s play and stain their relationship with their kids.
Following are things parents should observe that will help them to know if they are putting excessive pressure on their kids.
1. Kids get mad every time you say something about their play.
2. Kids will not practice with parent or always leaves practice mad at their parent.
3. Kids are constantly looking to parent when they do something good or bad on the field.
4. Kids seem to perform better when parent is not at game.
Additionally, some parental statements seem pretty innocuous on the surface but eventually they create tension and resentment. At the very least, these statements and questions can take the fun out of play for kids. (Listed from bad to worse)
1. Why did you do that?
2. What were you thinking out there?
3. Why didn’t you do what I told you to do?
4. When I was your age, I could already do
5. You have to practice more
6. Look at me when I talk to you
7. I thought you wanted to play
8. That was embarrassing
9. You will never get anywhere doing that
10. Do what I tell you and not what your coach tells you to do
11. I am not paying for you to play if that is how you are going to play
12. Forget it; I am not coming to your games anymore
Once again, some of these may seem like legitimate questions but the emotional way they are said or asked, automatically create tension in kids. The good news is that positive parents, who avoid using these statements, will eliminate unnecessary tension with their kids.…

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It’s Time To Make Things Easier By Reading This Article About Basketball

Laura06 mins

For years, people of all ages and backgrounds have found love in the sport of basketball. But, most folks who love basketball still do not know everything about the sport. This lack of knowledge prevents them from playing it to the best of their ability. The following piece has information that will help you play like a pro!

One of the hardest skills to learn in basketball is how to relax while shooting. Concentrating on the back of the rim or where you want the ball to hit on the backboard are great ways to practice this. It might seem strange learning how to relax, but the more you do it, the better prepared you will be come game time.

Practice passing drills as a team. Basketball is a team sport first and foremost. You’ve got five people on the court with the same common goal. Teams that are great at passing can really break up a defense making it much easier to get into good scoring positions. You’ll definitely win much more than you lose when you work as a team.

It is not always necessary to dribble the ball. In fact, you should only dribble it when it is part of your play. For instance, you will want to dribble the ball when you are trying to get the ball up the court, to get in a position for passing, or to get the defense off you.

Don’t just practice playing against a zone defense. Zone play will be important, but man-to-man will pop up from time to time, too. Practicing these techniques can give you a competitive edge over your competition.

Everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses. Learn to play to your strengths and practice to improve your weak points. Not everyone on the team can be the guy who scores every point. Your position may be better suited on the defensive end. You can only learn these things through practice and play.

A great way you can prepare for what happens on the basketball court is to avoid having your back to the ball. This keeps you aware of what is going on so you aren’t surprised. Also, keep your eyes on areas that open up on the court for an easy basket.

Make sure you have prepared for your games by taking care of yourself. Don’t see your team short by staying up all night, eating junk food before games or skipping practice because you have things you would rather do. make a commitment to your team by being there for the team on the court and off the court.

In the off season, it is important to stay in shape so you can be at your best when the games begin again. Formulate a few goals, but make sure they are goals that you can actually reach. For example, jogging may be a part of your routine. Start slow and then increase your time as your endurance goes up. You are more likely …

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All Things Football: Essential Tips And Tricks

Laura05 mins

The game of football is one of giants. Football is made up of physically tough people, but also mentally tough ones too. You must be ready for what the opposition is about to do and strong enough to handle it. The tips below will help you master a winning strategy for your game play.

A good football tip is to perfect your swim move if you’re playing on the defensive line. The swim move is great because it allows you go get past your opponent so you can go straight for the quarterback or whoever has the ball. Being tied up on the line gets you nowhere.

Don’t concern yourself over your weight immediately. You may think that you need to gain a ton of weight to be a great football player, but really all you are doing is becoming fat and slow. More important is your conditioning. You want to be able to perform with the weight on you, so consider adding weight on slowly and with a good fitness plan.

A good football tip is to always make sure you’re properly hydrated. Football is a very fast paced sport and you can get dehydrated quick with each down and possession. In order to perform at your best, you need to make sure you’re drinking water as often as you can.

Make sure you work on your mental game as much as your physical game when preparing for football. Although keeping in shape and practicing the drills is tough for anybody, the mental aspects of football are what trips most players up on the field. Make sure you’re as tough mentally as you are physically.

Learn about the different types of football. Tackle football is the kind of football that is played by the NFL, which is very physical. Flag football involves pulling a “flag” or ribbon off an opposing player. Touch football involves “tackles” where you just touch another player using both of your hands.

Use interval sprint training to really boost your stamina. Sprint for 30 seconds, then rest for 1 minute. Sprint and rest again. Keep repeating this until you can not physically spring anymore that day. Record your total number of sprints for that day, and aim to beat it by one the next day. Most days you won’t, but you will slowly edge that number up.

Correct technique is vital for catching passes on a rainy day. Keep your feet pointed toward the ball to prevent slipping. That allows you to control it when it arrives. Additionally, your hips and chest should stay in a similar position to your legs. Place your hands towards the front of the ball and off to the side.

You will never achieve your goals by being lazy. When you skip a practice, don’t work out, eat the wrong things or allow your mind to wander, you will end up a loser. If you would rather be a winner, focus on your goals and do what it takes to …

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