End of Summer Reflection

As the summer winds down and the

fall approaches, it is a great time to

check in on the mental side of the game,
along with the physical. Measurable

data is important to be aware of in terms

of monitoring your growth and development

as a ball player. Things like velocity (arm/exit),
running times (H to 1B, 60 yd), and typical

numbers associated with your position(s) are

fine and even important to know.
Hopefully, as a player, you kept a journal

of your spring/summer season and have

notes to refer back to. Start today if you are
not keeping a journal for your baseball development. 

Start thinking through every at-bat. Grade

yourself on the focus level you had in the

dugout and specifically when you were

in the hole/on deck. What are you doing

to prepare mentally for your at-bats?

You have to be honest to get something

out of a mental self-reflection. Did you take an

error in the field to an at-bat or a bad at-bat to

the field? Getting outside the moment and

worrying about past events will not allow you

to be at your best in the next moment,

which is the only one you have any control over.

Similarly, what did it feel like when things were

going well? What were you doing to give you

those good moments and find a way to develop

strategies to get yourself in a mindset that will

provide you with your best chance for success?
That is all you can look for, realistically - a chance.
What tools do you have to help you find your

highest level of performance? And how aware

are you of the impact your emotions and

feelings have on you within the game? 

Finally, assess how well you performed off

the field this summer. How were you taking

care of your body? Did you get enough quality sleep?

How often were you in the weight room? Were you

long-tossing before games to build arm strength?

Did you do your summer reading? So many factors

go into you becoming the best version of yourself

as a player and, ultimately, a person. Developing tools

that help you on the field will translate to creating

opportunities throughout your life, from your

commitment to becoming simply your best.

And your best is always enough!

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