“Don’t be at peace with being a showpiece.” A showpiece is something that attracts attention. The problem with showpieces is that they cannot keep your attention long if they cannot do anything.
In baseball, I have scouted lots players who are showpieces. They have the latest cleats, bats and batting gloves. But when it is time to perform, they cannot.
Here are three P’s you need to master in order to perform:
Participation
Participation is about how you show up. You must have a good attitude, awareness, the ability to make adjustments, aptitude and athleticism. If you have these five A’s, you will be able to develop good practice habits.
Practice
According to Malcolm Gladwell, it takes 10,000 hours of deliberate practice to develop a skill. Does that scare you?
Play
If you are truly playing baseball, you must have an understanding of the game beyond the love for it. The fundamentals of baseball includes hitting, fielding, throwing, defense and base running. Playing the game requires you to be constantly in “learning mode.” If you are learning a lot it is because you are failing a lot as well. Playing the game is the time to test what you are learning in practice. So, allow your focus in your next game be on learning from your failure.
Performance
Players who are performing have skills. Talent is what you do well. Habits are what you do well repeatedly without thought. Skills is what you do well repeatedly without thought while under stress.
Performing is the result of practicing and playing under pressure. Learn more about practicing and playing under pressure and how to develop myelin in one of my most recent blogs.
You will not need to know how to perform if you are playing baseball for fun. If you want to help your high school team win a state championship, earn a college baseball scholarship and/or become a professional baseball player, you will have to perform to separate yourself from the norm.
Here is a Skill Build Drill that you can execute for 1,000 reps within the next 10 days: Diamond Directors — Skill Build Drill | Wall Drill Finish
To help keep your skills sharp, we have introduced a new type of Skill Build—our Virtual Skill Build, where I can help you develop hitting skills anytime, anywhere using anything. Check it out.
Remember: Intelligence tops being smart.
For more information, visit www.diamonddirectors.com today. Also, check out our Digital Magazine.
C.J. Stewart has built a reputation as one of the leading professional hitting instructors in the country. He is a former professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization and has also served as an area scout for the Cincinnati Reds. As founder and CEO of Diamond Directors Player Development, C.J. has more than 12 years of player development experience and has built an impressive list of clients, including some of the top young prospects in baseball today. If your desire is to change your game for the better, C.J. Stewart has a proven system of development and track record of success that can work for you.
Leave a Reply