The Baseball Observer - May/ June 2016
34
A Broad External Focus is important to the player, for example, during the following moments:
• When the player arrives at the ballpark and checks out what is expected for
the game and where he is in the lineup.
• Deciding what needs to be done before they focus on their pre-game
routine.
• During the game, when the player looks around to make sure that they know
the game situation (score, men on base, outs, etc.)
• Following the game, when they decide what they are going to do before they
leave the ballpark for the night.
• Other times
A Broad Internal Focus will be helpful to the player at the following times;
• Before the game when planning their pre-game work and activitie
• During the game to make sure they are aware of how they are going to
handle a certain situation (getting a call to get up in the bullpen; entering
the game as a substitute or as a pinch hitter.
• Other times
A Narrow Internal Focus will assist the player to be in the moment during the following times and situations:
• Formulating a game plan for the opponent of the day, before the game
• Developing a plan for getting a batter out or a plan for having a quality at
bat.
• Other times
A Narrow External Focus has to do with moments such as:
• Following through on a pre-game routine
• Executing a pitch
• Making solid contact with the pitch
• Other times
PLAYER LEARNING TO BE CONSISTENT AT BEING FOUSED AND IN THE MOMENT
There are several methods that a baseball player can use in order to learn to develop consistency at being in the moment--- whether before, during, of after a game.
In order to learn to be consistent at being focused, consistent practice of these methods are essential.