Softball Tips - Thoughts You Need to Replace to Improve Your Performance

Written by Stacie Mahoe

Being in the right frame of mind when going into softball competition is a big factor in your success or lack of success. There may be thoughts floating around in your head that stop you from performing at your best. If you can replace these negative thoughts with positive statements, you're likely to perform better on the field and be a bigger part of your team's success.

The first thing you need to do is recognize some of the negative thoughts you have. Here are some common ones that pop up for most players at some point or another. Just because lots of players have these thoughts, doesn't mean it's okay for you to allow them to hang out in your head. Any negativity you can replace with more positive thinking will go a long way to making you a better softball player.

17 Common Thoughts That Can Hurt Your Softball Performance

• I hope I don't strike out.
• I hope I don't bean this batter.
• Why is so-and-so playing?
• I can't play in rain/wind/sun/etc.
• This umpire just doesn't like me.
• I hate this field.
• I hope they ball doesn't come to me.
• I hope I don't throw the ball away.
• Why do you want me to bunt?
• The pitcher is sooooo sllllooooooowwwww.
• The other team's cheers are so irritating.
• These umpires are so unfair.
• I don't want to play INSERT POSITION HERE.
• These tournament rules are so stupid.
• This game doesn't mean anything.
• This is the biggest game of the season.
• Wow, the other team is so good.

Can you think of more?  What have you heard players say that just does not help their cause (or their team's cause) on game day?  Leave a comment below and share the examples that come to your mind.