Looking for suggestions on ways to improve or help build confidence and self esteem in young players. I realize their maturity level has a lot to do with it. But sometimes a pat on the back and a few words of encouragement are not enough. Any Suggestions?
Posts: 99 | Location: NORTH GEORGIA | Registered: January 14, 2004
Slider, Let me tell you about a gimmic that I use as the season approaches or before a big game. I BAKE my baseballs! Low heat 2-3 hours prior to practice. I mean these balls are hot off the bat.After a long preseason of cold weather hitting the kids get a charge out of seeing their hits really fly. The next game they're excited about getting up to the plate. Dare I say it. it's the viagra of hitting. Rollerman
Posts: 187 | Location: Coarsegold Ca. | Registered: December 18, 2003
You might want to work with the kids on developing one or two affirmations that they can repeat several times per day (on the field and off). Negative self-talk (i.e. I can't hit that guy!) is self fulfilling. Positive affirmations will help provide some balance.
Slider, Montanadad is not kidding. My son has performed a ritual since he was 10 everytime he starts on the mound. I can't tell you what it is and I never knew until recently he did it. He has told us that he associates it with positive affirmations. And admits that it has helped his self esteem (which he really didn't have a problem with). When trying to build self esteem,remember feedback should always be positive, even for the littlest thing. Thanking individuals who struggle, let them know how important they are to the TEAM, those type of things. You know how the ones who always have to sub feel they are not as good, let them know in other ways how important they are, they will appreciate it.
Posts: 11027 | Location: South Florida | Registered: July 28, 2003
There is a great book called "The Mental ABC's of Pitching" by HA Dorfman. Awesome on how to get rid of Stinkin thikin and how to be positive. Also teaches how to work out of jams by throwing one at a time. Awesome book.
Talk to them about positive thoughts vs negative ones. The brain isn't good at translating negatives --- by that I mean, if they go up to bat saying to themselves "I can't strike out this at bat", the brain is pretty much carrying just the 'strike out' message. (Remember the old 'Don't think about a blue horse' bit.)
Keep to the same maxim in your coaching -- don't say "Lay off the high ones", say "Below hands". You're coaching more than their physical traits here, you're coaching their thinking as well.
Remind them that baseball is progressive, and celebrate each 'victory' with them. And 'victory' isn't winning the game, victory is a successful throw from a struggling fielder, waiting for his pitch for the free swinger...there is victory with every pitch thrown and every ball fielded or recieved.
Confidence comes from doing something well. Just like baseball, you can't give it to them, but you can participate in the process.
Best of luck.
--------------------------------- From 'Nice Guys Finish Last' by Leo Durocher:
Baseball lives at the center of a never-flagging whirl of irreconcilable opinions.
Flip, it may be a little old for a 12 year old, but with your help I am sure he will get a great deal out of it. I remember when I first got it for my son we went through it together and it was delight to see him start to realize.
I would like to add a few thoughts to this thread. I have studied the mental side of sports for many years and agree with what has been said. The issue is parent and even so coaches greatly underestimate the power of the mind in athletics. I have worked with kids for many years and had captured in a book what I believe are straightforward and practical mental tools that parents and athletes can apply. I know they work. The ages of 8 to 13 years old are critical for instilling the love for the game and developing the courage to win. I have included a link that may be of interest to some of you parents that would like some additional insight into this subject. I would like to add, from what I have read on this site, Bob has provided the road map to success. Now comes the work. Let’s get started…
The following is from Joe Glenn, Head Football Coach at The University of Montana.
"If you believe in a person and let them know that you believe in them, they will try so hard to please and succeed." The phrase he uses is "make me feel good and I will produce."
An idea he shares is if you want to give them some constructive criticism try the following:
Open the door with a compliment Insert the constructive criticism. Close the door with a compliment.
My favorite book on the mental game is "Heads Up Baseball, Playing the Game One Pitch at a Time" by Ken Ravizza(Contributor), Tom Hanson
Slider24, A very good topic and some great replies. Really touches home with me too. Confidence and self-esteem are as important as arm strength and bat speed. The teacher of confidence and self-esteem (either high or low) could be anyone but is usually mom or dad. Confidence and self-esteem are important in all aspects of life but must be present at a higher than normal level in sports for the player to perform at his peak. Confidence and self-esteem can also become too high. Too little and a player will fail. Too much and a player will become self-centered, lose the team concept, and becomes arrogant. To teach confidence I think the teacher must gain the trust or garner some form of admiration the student. As a pre-teen my son lacked self-confidence and self-esteem. He described this to me one day while he was in elementary school. He said he felt a pain “right here” as he pointed at his stomach. This ultimately worked to his advantage because the fear of failure is what brought on this pain and fear of failure is a driving force . . . . but he had to overcome the lack of confidence before he could contribute as a player. First be honest about his ability. (Common problem among parents). If a player needs work in a particular area, you have to address that area. Being inferior in a particular area will increase low-self esteem. Discuss goals and work ethic. No, don’t mention the word “goals” or “work ethic” to a pre-teen. Mention batting practice and hitting home runs or stretching and then record his timed run. Long tossing and increased velocity. They can relate to those things. SUCCESS instills confidence. . . . REWARD validates success. . . . . BUT the actual ACCOMPLISHMENT is the reward. Not hollow words and trophies. How many times have you dusted off the LL trophy that he never looked at? How many red white and blue ribbons do you have that he’s never worn around his neck? If you’re like me you have framed newspaper articles he’s never read. He has an AAU National Championship Ring he’s never worn. These are parental trophies. They are “nice” but they do little for his confidence. Again, the actual ACCOMPLISHMENT is the reward. You will lose his respect and fail at instilling confidence if you tell him he’s good when you and he both know you’re lying. Help him improve, help him recognize his improvement, and everyone will enjoy the results! Fungo
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Posts: 4961 | Location: Spring Creek (Jackson),Tennessee | Registered: December 26, 2002
Slider,
