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How to Play Baseball without a Statistical Focus |
Many youth athletes when learning how to play baseball set a goal of playing professionally. Statistics say that less than 1% of those athletes will accomplish their dreams. The first thought here is one of immediate defense, and rightly so. Successful and accomplished baseball players NEVER look at statistical norms to influence or determine their future success. I share this thought with you as you continue to learn how to play baseball or coach baseball better, because this is a concept one that needs to be communicated clearly.
Success-minded athletes turn the tables on statistics and see them as a huge source of motivation, knowing that many other athletes will fall prey to the temptation to give up on their dreams. In my quest to play professionally, this is the approach I took. I focused on the process of my preparation and practice while learning how to play baseball instead of heavy results-oriented focus along the way. Consider the following example of this principle.
For those who have stepped into a batter’s box as a baseball player, did you ever tap the plate with your bat and think about the statistical probability that you would hit a home run? No? Why not? Because when emotions and determination are strong enough, statistics don’t matter. The most pure form of this can be found with most Little Leaguers as they work on how to play baseball. Everything is exciting, the sky is the limit, and the statistical reality of becoming a professional baseball player never factors into the equation. I think we need more of this approach as we develop our game.
The main reason why so many players lose their focus on their dream and get beat down by statistics/failures is because they allow statistics to be the main focus. As lack of playing time increases for some, batting average shrinks, and performance becomes strained, many look towards something else to do with their time. It’s a shame. I think that more and more athletes would stay in the game and experience successes if their mindset would change. So how do we (players and coaches) learn how to play baseball without allowing “reality” and statistics to paralyze our game? If you will never let your mind go down the road that places your value ONLY on your stats, you will find that you will achieve more than you ever thought you would. This thinking will undoubtedly transform your vision as you learn how to play baseball and develop your goals.
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