Control or No Control...She Needs to Know

Frustration is a natural byproduct of playing sports, particularly if an athlete has a high personal level of expectation for success. However, it's crucial for both player and parent to recognize those factors in which your athlete has control over and those factors in which she does not have any control over; her success depends on it!

In the game of fastpitch softball there are innumerable variables which dictate success or failure on each and every play. Given that softball is a game built on failure, as even the best hitters fail 6 out of 10 times, frustration would seem to be inescapable. However, if your athlete can recognize the factors she has no control over her frustration will diminish and her sense of accomplishment will be greatly enhanced. Whether in the field, in the box or in the circle what then are the factors she has no control over?

•  The umpire's calls (a big one)

• Where the ball goes once it leaves the bat (line drive hit right at someone or a ball that lands foul by a foot)
• The weather conditions (wind, sun in your eyes, heat, cold, poorly groomed or wet infield dirt, bumpy outfield, wet grass)
• Great play by the opposition
• A dominant pitcher that hits her spots
• A exhausting day with 3-5 games
• Being thrown out stealing on a hit and run the batter missed

If your athlete can frame these situations as being "out of her control" her results will not damage her confidence nor define her sense of accomplishment.

What does your athlete have control over? She has control over her attitude, her effort, her mental focus, her diet, her rest and her friends. Be sure that you both recognize what elements of her game are within and outside of her control and she will be well on her way towards becoming a consistent peak performer.

Learn more about the 21 Mental Performance Killers than sabotage your athlete from being the best she can be at: http://www.WinnersEdgeSoftball.com or http://www.SoftballSmarts.com.