7 Proven Strategies to Elevate Her Game Day Decision Making
Hi <<First Name>>,
August is a great time to take a step back during the brief softball break to reflect on your daughter's or team's performance and growth over the summer season. Did some of her weaknesses become strengths? Did she play at a more consistent level? Is she closer to reaching her true softball potential?
Well the answers to those questions will really yield one of the most crucial metrics of her game...the quality of her decision making during the game.
You see, the quality of any athlete's decision making will absolutely dictate her level of game day success. And in a game like fastpitch she has limited time to make crucial decisions, whether as a batter, fielder, pitcher or runner.
Consider that a typical batter at the 16u level on up has less than 4/10 of one second to determine pitch velocity, movement and the ultimate spot in which to place the barrel of the bat on the swing. WOW!
A fielder has a little more than a second or two to field a hit or bunted ball and decide what to do with it; even less time if the ball is bobbled or on a secondary play.
*Look for the announcement tomorrow on the launch of my powerful new audio course, Game Day Ready!
A base runner must decide to stay or go on a line drive or ground ball in less than a second and must decide where to slide based on a ball (she cannot see) being thrown in to the base she is attempting to get to.
Pitchers have about 30 seconds between pitches to clear their head, keep their focus and execute the next pitch to perfection.
At all these game moments your athlete will be tested on her decision making ability. Poor decision making is normally a symptom of doubt and other mental game deficiencies. Here are 7 proven strategies that I teach to help your athlete and team to make consistently better game day decisions:
1. Play the game in the present moment! Have a short memory and let go of past mistakes. In fastpitch you don't have the luxury of wallowing in the past or worrying about the future. Be here now!
2. Prepare better during the week. Pay extreme attention during practice; work on weaknesses. Improved competency > increased confidence > better decision making.
3. Anticipate. Take those moments before the pitch to look around and prepare for what actions you might have to take. Go through the possible scenarios in your head. Have a plan!
4. Pay attention during the game. Look for ways to get any edge that can shorten your decision making time. An easy one is determining the umpire's strike zone, then making decisions as a batter or pitcher accordingly.
5. Breathe! Deep cleansing breathes can reduce or eliminate stress or anxiety during big moments of the game, allowing for a clearer head and better decision making.
6. Ask questions. Be willing to fail, but be proactive in seeking help from your coach(es) to improve your decision making. As in life we often have to do things the wrong way in order to do them the right way!
7. Play fearless! Poor decision making often comes from doubt; a lack of certainty causing hesitation in the brain...normally to avoid the fear of pain (physical or emotional). Good decision making requires that you take risks and trust yourself.
Good decision making is a skill that evolves over time. No matter where your athlete or team are in their decision making abilities have your them start following these 7 strategies and I guarantee you it will shorten their learning curve to better decision making and higher game day performance levels!
*Look for the announcement tomorrow on the launch of my powerful new audio course, Game Day Ready!
