Setbacks in Hitting: Mental or Physical? By MIKE CANDREA Head Coach, University of Arizona

Anyone who has played the game understands struggling at the plate. It is amazing how big the ball looks when you are hitting well and how it looks like an aspirin when you are struggling. Unfortunately every player will experience one of those "temporary setbacks." You notice that I do not use the word "slump." It just doesn't sound good, and as a coach, I try never to use it! It is like any negative thought: The more you think about it, the worse it gets. Here are suggestions on how to return our mind-set to a confident, productive approach to hitting. When most players struggle at the plate, they think it has to be a mechanical problem. Most young hitters are quick to hit the panic button. I feel it is usually a lack of physical and mental balance. Any good hitter knows the key elements in the physical mechanics of the swing necessary to achieve success. I also believe that the mental approach to hitting can become a factor if our self-talk becomes negative and we lack confidence. The best solution in dealing with those "temporary setbacks" is to address both elements to ensure balance and gain an understanding of the game's built-in barriers. Young hitters must remind themselves that hitting a round object with another round object is not easy. The best hitters are successful three of 10 times. This means you are unsuccessful seven of 10 times. I 'd hate to have our best brain surgeon be considered good if they were successful three out of 10 surgeries. The sooner you realize the complexity of the skill, the better you can tolerate those seven unsuccessful at-bats. As a hitter, you have a choice of what you think about...choose to think about the successful at-bats! There are no quick fixes in this game and you must remember it's a game of averages. Having the awareness and proper mind-set can allow you to perform more consistently and keep those "temporary setbacks" to a minimum. Learn to deal with this aspect of hitting because as long as you put on a uniform, you'll have an opportunity to face this challenge! Physical factors in determining success at the plate: 1. Mechanics. 2. Timing. 3. Visual. The following are some basic guidelines to help you deal with your next challenge: Mechanics 1. Your stance should be comfortable and balanced with proper plate coverage. 2. During your stride, allow your weight to stay back. Maintain balance and flex. Keep your front side closed. Timing Minimize motion...maximize efficiency! Be quick with your hands, not your upper body. Assure proper contact point...be out in front. Hit the ball where it is pitched. Vision Maintain proper head position by swinging shoulder to shoulder. See the ball out of the pitcher's hand and follow it to the hitting zone. Track the ball with your eyes and head. Move from broad focus to fine focus. Do not over-swing! Remember: See it - Track it- Smash it.

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