419. Focusing is a Lie: Refocusing is a Skill
“Success isn’t about focusing. It’s about refocusing.”
One of my high school hitters started the summer hitting .067.
Confidence was shot.
Frustration was high.
Worst of all? He told me:
“I didn’t even focus on my approach.”
He was locked in during tee work.
Dialed during front toss.
But once the lights came on? The game sped up. His brain left the present.
And his routine—the thing that’s supposed to bring you back—wasn’t strong enough.
That’s when we had a conversation that changed everything.
🧠 The Insight:
Focus isn’t the goal.
Refocus is.
The game will speed up.
Your mind will drift.
You’ll lose your plan for a pitch, a play, or an entire at-bat.
The best athletes don’t avoid distractions.
They recover from them—on purpose, and with a system.
🔧 The Strategy: We Built a Focus System
Here’s what we installed in his routine:
✅ 3 Batters Out: The at-bat starts early
Get gear on
Begin activating hitting mode
✅ 2 Batters Out: Timing + Visualization
Track the pitcher
Visualize yourself hitting with confidence
✅ 1 Batter Out (On-Deck): Rhythm + Intent
Dial in timing
Repeat your approach cue
✅ In the Box: Link physical action with mental focus
Deep breath + barrel glance = say your approach
Tap the plate = lock it in again
Between pitches = reset, breathe, and repeat your cue
That physical routine became his anchor.
We added pregame meditation and visualization too.
Why?
Because practicing focus → distraction → refocus during meditation mirrors what actually happens in a game.
📈 The Result:
First 2 weeks of summer: .067 BA
After implementing this process: .298 BA
More present. More athletic. More locked in.
💪 Your Challenge:
At your next practice or game:
Pick one moment in your routine where you usually zone out.
Link that moment with a specific mental cue or intention.
(Ex: Deep breath = say your approach in your head.)If you get distracted? Good. Refocus. That’s the win.
PS - The mental game isn’t just about thinking positive. It’s about building a system that brings you back when it matters most.
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