My son is going through what we can remember to be his first slump. Any suggestions.
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Stay aggressive. You swing your way out of a slump.
BaseballByTheYard
BaseballByTheYard
How old is he? Pitcher or position player/
STAY CONFIDENT
Has he made any mechanical changes?
Slumps are almost all mental.
Slumps are apart of the game... If they didn't exist we would have a handful of guys hitting .400 in the big leagues every year.
STAY CONFIDENT
Has he made any mechanical changes?
Slumps are almost all mental.
Slumps are apart of the game... If they didn't exist we would have a handful of guys hitting .400 in the big leagues every year.
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B-I-N-G-O!
Not at all easy, yet most important in my opinion.
...Confidence, yeah that's what it takes!
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- "STAY CONFIDENT"
B-I-N-G-O!
Not at all easy, yet most important in my opinion.
.
16yrs,jr in hs. He worked hard all winter and just got off to a bad start and its snowballing. pitchers
that he should be crushing are getting him out. not hitting ball hard etc. He doesnt seem worried but I know its eating at him.
that he should be crushing are getting him out. not hitting ball hard etc. He doesnt seem worried but I know its eating at him.
Tell him to have fun. That's what always works for me. I started this season 0-14. Rough-Tell me about it. Started having fun again and the hits started coming...It's amazing what this can do.
Change his focus from internal (gee why am I not hitting) to external (what can I do for my team). That right there can start to reduce the tension because it can make him feel productive even when the hits are not falling.
Hitting is timing and confidence. If I had a remedy for that like Dr. Phil - I would be rich and hence you would not know me
Couple of simple things - if he is hitting a lot of nubbers and grounders, it usually means his timing is too early and he is hitting over top the ball. You see this sometimes on hitters who can hit the big fastball but sometimes struggle with the slower stuff. A good timing adjuster is to try and take the ball back up the middle or go oppo.
If he is popping out a lot, it might mean he is getting started too late.
Hitting is timing and confidence. If I had a remedy for that like Dr. Phil - I would be rich and hence you would not know me
Couple of simple things - if he is hitting a lot of nubbers and grounders, it usually means his timing is too early and he is hitting over top the ball. You see this sometimes on hitters who can hit the big fastball but sometimes struggle with the slower stuff. A good timing adjuster is to try and take the ball back up the middle or go oppo.
If he is popping out a lot, it might mean he is getting started too late.
My son hit over .500 for most of his JV season last year (9th grader). Cooled down towards the end and later in the summer, maintained a hot bat. That fall, he quit football to focus on baseball. He endured a slump all fall. He struck out over dozen times and hit a lot of weak inflield grounders. He only struck out a total of 6 times during the spring and summer. Lost confidence and was very frustrated. Where am I going with this.......
This spring he started off where he left off last fall. His HS coach made one minor adjustment to his feet. It was his timing that was hurting him. He's now back to hitting in the high .400s. It sounds like your son maybe struggling with his timing. Hope this helps.
This spring he started off where he left off last fall. His HS coach made one minor adjustment to his feet. It was his timing that was hurting him. He's now back to hitting in the high .400s. It sounds like your son maybe struggling with his timing. Hope this helps.
I started this season off 3-19. I started doing different things to change up the way I was thinking at the plate. For me it was as simple as doing simple math problems in my head so I wouldn't think about how long it's been since my last hit or being worried about being benched. I think the most productive thing is to get your thoughts off being in a slump and keep working hard. The more you think about it the farther you will get from getting out of it.
Try laying a couple down , keeps the head down and focus on the ball . Good thing about slumps are that they come to an end . Keep working , my whole Rays team is in a slump . LOL
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Faith.
Put your faith in your approach. Results will come and go like the seasons...always have, always will...regardless of talent or level of play.
…attitude, effort, work ethic and preparation do not come and go. When the results do not provide the success to drive your confidence, focus on what you can control…put in the time, have confidence/faith in your methods….and your work ethic…and your code of character. Leave the rest. It will be what it is.
We talked about this in another thread, you are in it for the long term. Hard to see that when you are in a slump (or not getting PT). Maybe you will have an “athletic epiphany”…Maybe…but I can assure you that your best chance is commit to relentlessly wearing down the fates and circumstances through character, faith and hard work. Don’t leave it to luck or the fates…or play the victim…get back to work.
The baseball Gods reward a grinder…a player who believes in the right things, and “practices” them…relentlessly.
In the words of that great baseball coach, Dr Seuss…
Kid, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet slumps and end up in the pits, Slumps that scare you right out of your wits.
There are grounders to infielders, not beyond, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go on, though your swings maybe foul. On you will go though the power hurlers prowl. On you will go though, the statistics howl.
You’ll grind onward and up, past many a bad streak , though your arms may get sore and your cleats they may leak. You’ll get crossed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange calls as you go.
But be sure when you swing, use conviction (don’t cower)… for that is the way to true light-tower power. And do not forget to listen (educational)… and so not to confuse the linear with the rotational.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name household, (not Mantle or Christy Matthewson Mays) you’re off to Great Places! These are YOUR days!
No time for the victim.
No…get on your way!
44
.
Faith.
Put your faith in your approach. Results will come and go like the seasons...always have, always will...regardless of talent or level of play.
…attitude, effort, work ethic and preparation do not come and go. When the results do not provide the success to drive your confidence, focus on what you can control…put in the time, have confidence/faith in your methods….and your work ethic…and your code of character. Leave the rest. It will be what it is.
We talked about this in another thread, you are in it for the long term. Hard to see that when you are in a slump (or not getting PT). Maybe you will have an “athletic epiphany”…Maybe…but I can assure you that your best chance is commit to relentlessly wearing down the fates and circumstances through character, faith and hard work. Don’t leave it to luck or the fates…or play the victim…get back to work.
The baseball Gods reward a grinder…a player who believes in the right things, and “practices” them…relentlessly.
In the words of that great baseball coach, Dr Seuss…
Kid, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet slumps and end up in the pits, Slumps that scare you right out of your wits.
There are grounders to infielders, not beyond, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.
But on you will go on, though your swings maybe foul. On you will go though the power hurlers prowl. On you will go though, the statistics howl.
You’ll grind onward and up, past many a bad streak , though your arms may get sore and your cleats they may leak. You’ll get crossed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange calls as you go.
But be sure when you swing, use conviction (don’t cower)… for that is the way to true light-tower power. And do not forget to listen (educational)… and so not to confuse the linear with the rotational.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name household, (not Mantle or Christy Matthewson Mays) you’re off to Great Places! These are YOUR days!
No time for the victim.
No…get on your way!
44.
Relax and stay confident, you know you can hit. Trust your hands and have faith.
If your son is like mine, a lot of his "self worth" on the field is linked to his hitting. Mine was slumping during their pre-season scrimmages, striking out 8 out of 12 at bats (very unusual for him). I approached him between two scrimmages (they were doing a double-header) and I asked him what was going on. He was visibly upset saying that he didn't know. I re-affirmed him that he will work out of it and I told him "I know that you are better than that" and that he was a very good hitter. First at bat that scrimmage, he took a little off his swing just to make solid contact. Next at bat he came up with the bases loaded and parked it over the RF fence. He has not looked back since... He is the 3-hole hitter on his team that is 16-5 and ranked #7 in Texas 4A.
Sometimes they just need that re-affirmation from dad...
Sometimes they just need that re-affirmation from dad...
If it helps to know your son is not alone check this out:
Derek Jeter 0-32 in 2004.
Ted Williams 1-21 and 1-22 just weeks apart in 1959.
Lou Gehrig 1-23 in 1937 and 5-46 to start 1938.
Joe DiMaggio 4-34 in 1946.
Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio 0-44 in 1971.
I could find examples of every great hitter going through this. The main thing was that even when they began doubting themselves, they knew deep down that they had hit before and would soon hit again.
Derek Jeter 0-32 in 2004.
Ted Williams 1-21 and 1-22 just weeks apart in 1959.
Lou Gehrig 1-23 in 1937 and 5-46 to start 1938.
Joe DiMaggio 4-34 in 1946.
Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio 0-44 in 1971.
I could find examples of every great hitter going through this. The main thing was that even when they began doubting themselves, they knew deep down that they had hit before and would soon hit again.
My son also experienced a prolonged slump at age 15 after always being the best hitter on the team. Three bits of advice proved helpful.
1- Always have a plan at the plate - for kids who are very good hitters - having a plan makes them focus on something rather than the slump (ie hit the ball behind the runner - hit it deep to move the batters - whatever is appropriate).
2 - Every time you come to the plate focus only on that at bat - never approach with the thought of being x for x. Thinking of being 2 for 2 can be as bad a thinking of being 0 for 3.
3- Do not think about balls and strikes. Hit what you can hit. Sometimes in a slump good hitters want to be sure they are only swinging at the "right" pitches. This may result in quite a few 2 strike counts and that puts pressure on a slumping batter. With no strikes or one strike - if you can hit it - hit it. Most of good batters have had great hits of pitches that were "balls". Be a hitter - not an ump!
1- Always have a plan at the plate - for kids who are very good hitters - having a plan makes them focus on something rather than the slump (ie hit the ball behind the runner - hit it deep to move the batters - whatever is appropriate).
2 - Every time you come to the plate focus only on that at bat - never approach with the thought of being x for x. Thinking of being 2 for 2 can be as bad a thinking of being 0 for 3.
3- Do not think about balls and strikes. Hit what you can hit. Sometimes in a slump good hitters want to be sure they are only swinging at the "right" pitches. This may result in quite a few 2 strike counts and that puts pressure on a slumping batter. With no strikes or one strike - if you can hit it - hit it. Most of good batters have had great hits of pitches that were "balls". Be a hitter - not an ump!
Observer44,
Great post as usual. Long term, this should definitely be the overiding approach.
I also agree with the "stay confident" mantra, but that is easier said than done when slumping.
Short term -
Many won't agree with me but I actually like to point to one mechanical flaw (they all have them), work it out hard in the cage and finish with 3-4 successful hacks.
This leaves the player thinking they "fixed" whatever was causing the slump, whether that flaw had anything to do with it or not. Placebo. It's one way to have a hand in controlling the "stay confident" mantra.
Great post as usual. Long term, this should definitely be the overiding approach.
I also agree with the "stay confident" mantra, but that is easier said than done when slumping.
Short term -
Many won't agree with me but I actually like to point to one mechanical flaw (they all have them), work it out hard in the cage and finish with 3-4 successful hacks.
This leaves the player thinking they "fixed" whatever was causing the slump, whether that flaw had anything to do with it or not. Placebo. It's one way to have a hand in controlling the "stay confident" mantra.
O44, great post.
thks to all. one change from last season ,we have had a hard time getting his usual workouts in since h.s. bb season started. He works with a trainer and school has been kickin his butt so the extra work has suffered. For those who shared their experiences I thank you. Will make sure that he reads this post,
thats why I shared this with you all, as usual great responses. Hard working ki. I love him.
thats why I shared this with you all, as usual great responses. Hard working ki. I love him.
p.s. If one thing he's learned from this is who really believes in his talents and who really doesn't. I found that to be and interesting sidebar to this.
I know a guy who can help many hitters out of their slump and his name is:
OPPO... go see him
he lives in right/right-center if you are righthanded
he lives behind the shortstop if you are lefthanded
After a few visits you will feel so good you will forget why you went there...
OPPO... go see him
he lives in right/right-center if you are righthanded
he lives behind the shortstop if you are lefthanded
After a few visits you will feel so good you will forget why you went there...
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What skipper said!
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What skipper said!
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When hitters use the entire field they discover something amazing. There's a lot more places for a hit to land. But I agree with Skip for another reason. Slumps are often hitters trying to pull everything and coming around the ball instead of swinging through it.quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
I know a guy who can help many hitters out of their slump and his name is:
OPPO... go see him
he lives in right/right-center if you are righthanded
he lives behind the shortstop if you are lefthanded
After a few visits you will feel so good you will forget why you went there...
You can't think your way out of a slump. You hack your way out of a slump. Be aggressive.
Simplify your swing, don't change it.
Remain in an athletic stance
Stay back
Take your hands to the ball
Finish strong
Don't try to over-think, just make it simple. You'll be out of that slump.....never give up!
Remain in an athletic stance
Stay back
Take your hands to the ball
Finish strong
Don't try to over-think, just make it simple. You'll be out of that slump.....never give up!
O, I love it.. I saved it.
But, What Skipper said is a TRUTH.
I tell my son that before every game in a text.
"Hav a wonderful day, use your right field approach, wait on the ball, stay inside.. Be amazing!"
But, What Skipper said is a TRUTH.
I tell my son that before every game in a text.
"Hav a wonderful day, use your right field approach, wait on the ball, stay inside.. Be amazing!"
.
Simply Love this...
One of the major problems with slumps is getting the head far too involved...
Working oppo takes a hitter back to "feel"...back to the body...and paves the way to "zone" where all athletes belong...
.
quote:Originally posted by trojan-skipper:
I know a guy who can help many hitters out of their slump and his name is:
OPPO... go see him
he lives in right/right-center if you are righthanded
he lives behind the shortstop if you are lefthanded
After a few visits you will feel so good you will forget why you went there...
Simply Love this...
One of the major problems with slumps is getting the head far too involved...
Working oppo takes a hitter back to "feel"...back to the body...and paves the way to "zone" where all athletes belong...
.
With about a 20+ HS game schedule, can one
really consider an opher 10 games a slump.
How about 'Can't hit this month'?
really consider an opher 10 games a slump.
How about 'Can't hit this month'?
quote:One of the major problems with slumps is getting the head far too involved...
Also very true. Another thing I kid my son with is this. ( If you have read MoneyBall it will make sense)
With a bat in your hand be Lenny Dykstra. With a glove in your hand be Billy Beane.
A five game slump (a week and a half) can cause a kid to lose his place in the lineup.quote:Originally posted by Bear:
With about a 20+ HS game schedule, can one
really consider an opher 10 games a slump.
How about 'Can't hit this month'?
My 13 year old worked hard all winter and is now in his first slump and he will appreciate this information. It seems the consensus is to work through the slump. I'm thinking some time in the cage, mixing up slow, medium and fast pitches.
Originally Posted by Three Bagger:
If it helps to know your son is not alone check this out:
Derek Jeter 0-32 in 2004.
Ted Williams 1-21 and 1-22 just weeks apart in 1959.
Lou Gehrig 1-23 in 1937 and 5-46 to start 1938.
Joe DiMaggio 4-34 in 1946.
Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio 0-44 in 1971.
I could find examples of every great hitter going through this. The main thing was that even when they began doubting themselves, they knew deep down that they had hit before and would soon hit again.
Derek Jeter 0-32 in 2004.
Ted Williams 1-21 and 1-22 just weeks apart in 1959.
Lou Gehrig 1-23 in 1937 and 5-46 to start 1938.
Joe DiMaggio 4-34 in 1946.
Hall of Fame shortstop Luis Aparicio 0-44 in 1971.
I could find examples of every great hitter going through this. The main thing was that even when they began doubting themselves, they knew deep down that they had hit before and would soon hit again.
Originally Posted by RJM:
A five game slump (a week and a half) can cause a kid to lose his place in the lineup.quote:Originally posted by Bear:
With about a 20+ HS game schedule, can one
really consider an opher 10 games a slump.
How about 'Can't hit this month'?
Yeah, that's the thing about HS. Season is so short, short-term failure is magnified. Sometimes causes kids to press. Guys "just" (easier said than done for 16-17 YO) learn to stay within themselves, trust their mechanics. But like I said, it is easier said than done, especially in a 20+ game season.