Confidence

One of the most common questions I get asked as a hitting instructor is. “How do I get more confidence at the plate?”

The more I get asked this question the more I dive deeper in understanding where Confidence comes from and how do athletes become it?

By definition, Confidence means:

‘the feeling or belief that one can rely on someone or something; firm trust.“

When you combine the sport of softball, which statistically says there will be more failures than successes,and the definition of confidence which is based on the foundation of a ‘firm trust’ one can see where the frustration lies.

While, I can’t give anyone confidence, I’ve come up with some tools for the tool box of confidence.

1. Process: I know hearing the word process may seem cliché, but it’s necessary for confidence. As a hitter, you have to know what process works best for your preparation. For example, are you a hitter who values the transition from tee work, front toss, and live? Or, are you a hitter who finds value in front toss only or tee work only? Whatever that process is for you; own it and allow it to guide you towards your confidence.
   

2. Quality: When it comes to your at-bats, focus on quality instead of outcomes. What does that mean!? To ensure you have quality at-bats ask yourself these questions:

• Did I have a plan?

• Did I swing at the pitch in my plan!?

• Did I swing hard at the pitch in my plan?

When you start keeping inventory of the quality of your at bats, you start having confidence in yourself.

3. Vision: This is a tool that was introduced to me as a Junior in college; a part of my preparation I didn’t know I needed until I started using it. Taking the time to visualize yourself being successful in the box is important.

Here is how it works:

Find a quiet place, close your eyes and quiet your mind.

• Imagine yourself walking from the on-deck circle into the batters box. Take inventory of your thoughts and how you feel.

•Create positive thoughts: what is that one saying, phrase, song, or image that helps you stay focused?

•How do you feel as you see yourself walking from the on-deck circle to the batters box?

• Once you are in the batters box:
  

•See yourself going through your routine.

•See yourself watching the pitchers wind-up and seeing the ball come out of her hand.

•See yourself being successful three times. If you see yourself fouling it off, start over.

Being able to take the time to see yourself being successful will help your confidence. Once you get in the box on game day, you would have already visualized yourself hitting the ball three times.

Confidence at the plate comes from owning your controllables (it's your Super Power)!

Hitting is Self-Discovery! The more you know YOU your training will become more intentional.

Looking at the diagram, think about what makes YOU confident.

Let me know what works for you.