HPP SOFTBALL BLOG

COACH ANT’S TOP 3 RECOMMENDED MENTAL PERFORMANCE TRAINING BOOKS.

The first book I would recommend is Mind Gym: An Athletes Guide to Inner Excellence, by Gary Mack. This book gives you the tools to practically apply, and just he says in the book, it’s all up to YOU. This book does give you the tools to create your own “Mind Gym.” Everyone learns differently and maybe some people prefer a step-by-step boom this is how you create your “Mind Gym,” and boom this will happen...But this book is fantastic. It causes you to REFLECT and the stories remind us that not much does separate us from the greats. It reminds us that mental toughness is everything. It reminds us how much we can accomplish if we win on the battlefield of our minds. If we plan, if we visualize, if we want something bad enough, if we work hard enough.

The second would recommend is Mental Toughness For Young Athletes: Eight Proven 5-Minute Mindset Exercises For Kids And Teens Who Play Competitive Sports by Troy Horne. As a coach and sports psychology enthusiasts I instantly fell in love with this book. This current generation of athletes deal with anxiety and lack confidence in most competitive environments. The concepts and exercises presented in this book will not only help our children as athletes but as growing members of our society as well. These practices will help with discipline, dedication, intelligence, and more! Also loved the motivational tone presented by the authors!

The third book I would highly recommend to softball players and anyone who plays competitive sports is Shoot Your Shot: A Sport-Inspired Guide To Living Your Best Life by Vernon Brundage Jr. The author Vernon does a great job of relating the book to an average middle-lower class African American child growing up. He details examples from his personal life and how basketball has played a big role in where he is today. A lot of individuals are uncertain of what career they want to pursue as they get older. It could be because of single parenting or low finances where most of those kids aren't exposed to a lot are left to believe, dream, and desire about what they see on television or see on the internet. Several analogies and basketball references are used throughout the book to keep you engaged whether you are a basketball fan or not. This book will galvanize you to finally pursue things that you never thought you could and not use race, sex, or religion as an excuse not to obtain those goals. Encourages you to stop making excuses out of fear and uncertainty and execute on your goals to reach your untapped potential. My favorite quote from the book is in Chapter 3 where he mentions,” Convenience kills dreams. Persistence fuels them.” Take control of your life, sacrifice when needed, don’t confused talent with skills, be accountable for your mistakes, and shoot your shot for all your dreams.

4 STEPS TO CONTACTING COLLEGE COACHES

Send an introductory email to the coach

The best way to contact college coaches is through email. An introductory email is an important first step in the process and is a great way to initially send your key information to college coaches. 

Follow-up with a call to the coach

If the contact period has started for your sport (June 15 after sophomore year or September 1 of junior year), following up with a phone call to the coach is an important step. Since D1 coaches are not allowed to talk to you before the contact period, there is not much value in giving them an early call.

Respond to recruiting letters from college coaches

Though recruiting relies primarily on digital methods, coaches may still send different types of recruiting letters to athletes. And recruits should respond.

Keep in touch with coaches and update them with new stats

Sometimes the most difficult part of the recruiting process is keeping the lines of communication open with college coaches. A few great reasons to reach out to a coach include when you have new athletic or academic stats, you’re planning on visiting their school and want to set up a meeting, or you want to invite them to an upcoming tournament where you’ll be competing.

PARENTS CONTACTING COACHES (WHEN AND HOW TO TALK TO COLLEGE COACHES).

Thankfully, college coaches don’t expect parents to stay silent throughout the entire recruiting process. They understand that committing to a college or program is typically a family decision and that parents play an integral role in the process. So, when should parents approach a college coach, and what should they say?

If the athlete already has a relationship with a college coach, it’s completely fine to approach the coach when you see them at a camp or recruiting event. Wait until after the game, and keep it simple–a straightforward, “Hi Coach, I’m so-and-so’s mom/dad” will do. If a coach is interested, they’ll keep the conversation going. And remember, when the athlete joins the conversation, make sure they’re the ones asking and answering questions.

Unofficial and official visits are another great opportunity for parents to get to know a college coach. Coaches invite potential recruits and their parents to take a campus tour, learn more about the school and program, and answer any questions they have. It’s a great chance for coaches to get to know the family on a personal level. For instance, is thier school the best academic, athletic, social, and financial fit? It’s also a great time for parents to take on a bigger role during admissions and financial aid meetings, and ask any logistical questions they have, from student housing to campus safety. After all, it’s usually the parents that will cover at least a portion of the college costs.

(https://www.ncsasports.org/recruiting/contacting-college-coaches)