Tuesday, 12 February 2013
Monday, 11 February 2013
“Champions aren’t made in the gyms. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision” Muhammad Ali Yogi Berra was once quoted saying “Baseball is 90% mental and the other half is physical”! The numbers may not add up, but Yogi was definitely on to something. The mind plays an extremely important role in whether a baseball player will be successful or not. The player’s mindset and mental preparation can be the difference between a good or poor performance. The skill of winning involves the right attitude, quality performance, teamwork, a sense of competitiveness, a feeling of accountability to someone besides yourself - your coaches and teammates for example. You must lose any self-centered attitudes and become team-minded, playing not as an individual but as a unit. Being a part of a team is a privilege not a right, you must have respect for your sport and be committed to preparing to the best of your ability. Yogi is not alone, coaches and players at all levels that sports is 90-96% mental yet athletes spend hour upon hour preparing physically, but hardly anytime is spent practicing the mental side of their game. Most athletes fatigue mentally long before they fatigue physically because their mind is not in as good of shape as their body! Gary Ward, one college baseball’s foremost hitting instructors says, “ A mentally tough player is a self-motivated player with the desire to succeed as his main focus”. Mental toughness is a skill that can be acquired by being committed to your practice and preparation. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail! Mental preparation includes: Having a Mission Statement – your reason for playing the game; Goal Setting and knowing the difference between outcome and performance goals; Proper Breathing Techniques; Imagery and Visualization; Positive Affirmations and Self Confidence and Self Esteem. Excellent sources to learn more about the Mental Aspects of Sports include: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance by H. A. Dorfman The Mental Keys to Hitting: A Handbook of Strategies for Performance Enhancement by H. A. Dorfman The Mental ABC's of Pitching: A Handbook for Performance Enhancement by H. A. Dorfman
Without a doubt the classic guide to mental performance enhancement for baseball. Here in the third edition, authors H.A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl present their practical and proven strategy for developing the mental skills needed to achieve peak performance at every level of the game. The theory and applications are illustrated by anecdotes and insights from major and minor league players, who at some point discovered the importance of mastering the inner game in order to play baseball as it should be played. Intended for players, managers, coaches, agents, and administrators as well as fans who want a more in-depth look at the makeup of the complete baseball player.
Author H.A. Dorfman brings his years of expertise as instructor/counselor with the A's, Marlins, and Devil Rays to provide an easy-to-use, A-to-Z handbook which will give insight and instruction on how to pitch to peak performance at every level of the game. Perfect for pitchers who need that extra edge or hitters who want to better understand the mental moves on the mound.
H.A. Dorfman was a noted sports psychologist as well as a sports psychology counselor with the Scott Boras Agency. Recognized as a leading sports psychologist across the world, Dorfman was also a columnist and freelance journalist with articles appearing in The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Miami Herald. He has authored three other books: Coaching the Mental Game, The Mental ABC's of Pitching, and The Mental Keys to Hitting.
Thursday, 7 February 2013
In addition to its online dominance as a one-stop shop for all players and gift-givers' needs Baseball Savings also provides custom-logo items for corporations, meeting planners, charities and baseball and softball-tournament organizers. With Baseball Savings offering so many name brands and quality products at the best prices, there is no need for enthusiasts to go anywhere else! Featured brands include Rawlings, Mizuno, Wilson/DeMARINI, Louisville Slugger, Easton, NIKE, Worth Sports and many more. The site also has a fantastic selection of Major League Baseball and NCAA apparel, for the sports fan. 
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