How to Overcome Playing it Safe in Baseball: Mental Training Tip

Short Summary

1. Dr. Patrick Cohn addresses a common issue faced by young athletes: performing well in familiar environments but struggling in new or uncomfortable situations.
2. He responds to a question from a parent regarding their son’s confidence in baseball when trying out for new teams.
3. Cohn explains that the root of this problem often lies in the athlete’s fear of failure and concerns about how they are perceived by new teammates.
4. He emphasizes the importance of shifting focus away from impressing others and instead concentrating on personal skills and abilities.
5. Encouraging athletes to focus on their performance cues and preparation rather than the outcome can help them build confidence in unfamiliar settings.
6. Cohn suggests that by concentrating on their own performance, athletes can reduce anxiety related to potential judgment from others.
7. He highlights the value of building confidence through practice and self-awareness.
8. Cohn concludes by recommending resources for further learning about confidence in sports.
9. The discussion aims to help young athletes navigate the challenges of new environments and enhance their performance.
10. The overall message is to promote a mindset focused on personal growth and improvement rather than external validation.