Sports Psychology

[mongoose]

The performance of Dontrelle last night, made me think about an interview years back with a Miami Hurricanes quarterback. In the interview the player discussed how he used visualization techniques taught him by his sports psychologist. He told the interviewer that he would sit for an hour each day (before the big game) and visualize himself in an actual game setting- what he would do if certain situations would unfold, etc. He would mentally view such scenarios in his mind like a movie reel again and again. This technique helped him focus his mind during actual games. That particle player enjoyed much success on the field.

 

How big of a factor is the mental focus of each player?

 

Last night Dontrelle was back home; pitching in from of invited family and close friends. Maybe, just maybe, he was not mentally focused. I can only assume of his lack of mental focus.

 

Question: Do the Marlins use sport psychology with their players? Would such mental techniques improve out current pitching staff? Should the fish use such techniques? What are your views?

_

[Ashley]

Well it couldn't hurt... i think...I think if they have their own technique they should use it, especially if they are doing good. But in other cases it could only help right? I think it could help calm nerves and stuff, i liek the idea of it

[mongoose]

Boy I really did want more replies for this thread. Please give your view(s).

 

Thanks.

[Skully]

I think I heard Don Sutton say the same exact thing when we played the Braves. He said he would mentally play out the game in his head before he pitched....He then would try to duplicate that throughout the game. As we all know, Sutton was a great pitcher. He says when the games were over and everyone was telling him how great he did, he was confused because to him, he expected that result and figured that everyone else should expect the same thing....It's pretty amazing. To be so good, that when you pitch a good game, you wonder why someone is complementing you.

 

On a similar note, I remember back when Damion Easley was with the Tigers, he had to be hypnotized. That's when he started having all star type years. He said it helped him relax so much, he was able to go out and just have fun.....

 

The mental part of the game is extremely underrated...I think it's huge and I wonder how much the Marlins use it as well.

[mongoose]

The mental part of the game is extremely underrated...I think it's huge and I wonder how much the Marlins use it as well.

 

I totally agree with you. The mental aspect is a huge factor. Does anyone know if the Marlins use such techniques? Do the coaches emphasize such things to the players?

[rferry]

I think this will be extremely bad for Willis. He thrives on emotion.

 

Now Beckett is a guy we might want to try this out on. He seems to lose concntration out on the mound often.

[Guest Jack1]

I think this will be extremely bad for Willis. He thrives on emotion.

 

Now Beckett is a guy we might want to try this out on. He seems to lose concntration out on the mound often.

Yeah, that Beckett just could not concentate last October!!

[FreshFish]

The mental factor is important for anything in life, not just in sports.

 

You could see DTrain was completely out, he seemed very imperactive out there when team mates or coaches went to the mound and talk to him. He wasn't focus at all. I seen this before, and gets shelled.

[Guest Juanky]

The mind in baseball is the most important skill you have. If your head isn't right you aren't going to make contact, catch the ball, or hit your spots with the fastball. I do, however, think we should wait until the team as a whole struggles to maybe try something like this.