Mental Toughness

Ozzie Smith always played baseball with a Positive Mental Attitude (PMA)!

How is your PMA?

Here are 4 tips to improve your mental toughness.

1) Always Believe in Yourself. If you think you can`t do it, you are right! . When you are at the plate, concentrate on hitting the ball hard and believe that you will get the job done.

2) Have Confidence. The main reason that players don´t play well in games is nervousness, and the main cause of nervousness is lack of self confidence. You have to believe that you can hit any pitch that the pitcher throws and not get intimidated. You must believe that no one on the mound is better than you. Have a good attitude. Believe in your skills and talents.

3) Strive to Improve Everyday. Both physically and mentally. Work on your skills, hitting to opposite field, pulling the ball and bunting. Learn from watching games and highlights on TV and watch instructional videos to learn even more. Never stop learning!

4) Always Play at Your Best. - Even when playing against teams or players who are not quite as talented, it is important to play at top level. Do not drop your level of play simply to take it easy on the opponent. Compete against your own personal best every time out, and try to achieve that.

You must posses a Positive Mental Attitude not only on the field, but off the field as well.

Remember, mental toughness is what separates a great player from an average player. In a tough, clutch situation, the player with "nerves of steel" is the MVP.