Softball Tip

The Mental Side of the Game

The Mental Side of the Game

"As a coach, I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out what I can do to better my team from one season to the next. This past summer I did a lot of reading and research into the mental/social side of the team and playing experience. What I can tell you is that it is vital that you find a way to connect with each person on the team you play for, regardless of the role everyone has.

This becomes so imperative at the college level where each player really needs to have a stake in the process of a win or there will be no consistency to your wins. Our team has spent the bulk of our fall and winter looking at how they interact with each other as much as they have taking swings in the batting cages. We have placed just as much importance on “being a team” as we have on individual skill development. There are numerous team building exercises out there for you to use, but bottom line, everyone has to buy in or it’s just another exercise. Reps in those exercises are just as important to your win column as reps in the cages. What I have noticed is a much better result in our conditioning and team drilling. They support each other and their preparation has improved. I can’t wait to see the results on the field!"

For more great tips from Kelly Shannon, come join the fun and get better this summer at Lock Head University Softball Camp!