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We all know how important the 5 physical tools of the game are, but I think also important are some mental tools. Let's see what you think.

Work Ethic - Does the player work his tail off, or like many players I know put the glove down at the end of the season and not pick it up until the 1st day of practice.

Heart - Does the player give it his all every minute he is on the field or when the going gets tough Does he give up.

Emotion - Does he keep his emotions in check or when something goes wrong does he throw his bat or glove.

Others? Discussion? Am I all wet? (of course not)
[b]Play every game as if it were your last. Someday you will be right![/b]
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Got the love the kid says " Coach Give me the ball!!!"

Funny story regarding this

A few years back we had a young man who was not a hard thrower but worked well in situations for us-- fall tournament and he comes out of the pen --bases loaded --two out and gets the last man-- as he comes in we tell him thats it-- we are going to another arm next inning--- TALK ABOUT LOOKS !!! WOW

A month later in another tournment we do the same thing he comes in one out , bases full-- he gets a ground abll DP and we still have two arms working in the pen-- as he comes off the field he looks at me and says " Coach this is mine. Tell them to sit down !"--- I did --it was -- and we won.

Tell me that as a coach you don't want that attitude and it is attitude for sure
Yes, I absolutely believe that mental tools can make a huge difference. My favorite college player Big Grin has some physical abilities and has a tall lanky body with potential, but I think the thing that will give him a chance to make an impact as a freshman is his mental and emotional makeup. For a pitcher, it's the burning desire to be out there on the mound against the best competition, the confidence that you will get the next batter out, and the ability to quickly forget it if you were wrong about the last batter, and move on to knowing you will get the next guy.
You get to a certain point where "mental" is THE tool, especially for pitchers.

I discovered these "mental reminders" on the bottom side of my son's game-day hats from the just completed season:

"Stay within yourself"
"One pitch at a time"
"NEVER give in"
"Dominate the plate"
"intensity" "Believe" "Attack"
"Under control"
"Stay back" "Learn"
"Be great"
"Focused intensity"
"Focus"

These were not all on one hat but were spread among 6 hats used on teams at the A and AA level.

I think they helped him.

OPP

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