http://www.swingawayblog.com Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:39:40 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Winners are made in practice.  Everyone says, "You have to practice like you play," but very few know what that really means, and even fewer do it.  Practicing like you play is quality practice, and it takes mental toughness to practice with that knid of intensity and desire.  Watching Greg ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2009/01/07/quality-practice/ The follow through should be a personal preference.  While many hitters feel like they have a better swing with a two handed finish; other feel the one handed finish works best for them.  Some hitters use both methods depending on where the pitch is.  For example, many hitter finish with ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2009/01/05/the-follow-through/ Sports giants are people willing to pay the price for excellence.  Brooks Robinson took 200 ground balls a day from the time he was 12 year old until the end of his career. Nolan Ryan is legendary for his dedication to his conditioning and his personal work habits.  In addition to ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2009/01/02/prepare-for-greatness/ Here's to a Happy New Year from the entire team here at SwingAway! http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/31/happy-new-year-from-swingaway/ What is a pressure situation?  In baseball a pressure situation can be any possible turning point in a game, or perhaps any time a player feels an urgency or a necessity to perform in the "right now" as if the game was on the line.  Pressure situations rarely announce themselves.  ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/29/playing-in-pressure-situations/ Before continuing, I would like you to distinguish between two important kinds of goals: outcome goals and performance goals.  Outcome goals are the end of products of achievement, such as hitting .300, or making the All-Star team.  Performance goals are explained below. Performance Goals Performance goals have to do with specific behaviors ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/26/outcome-goals/ Have you ever watched hitters on TV or at the ball park and wonder why one stands forward in the box and another stands deep in the box? Why one is close and the other far from the plate? There are various places to stand in the box. ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/24/where-to-stand-in-the-box/ When a player is "hot," it is imperative that he not pressure himself to maintain that pace.  If so, he starts trying too hard, thereby switching the mind to the left hemisphere, where trouble is certain.  Solution?  Leave your mind on automatic, and keep positive HEAD GAMES within your control. Only a positive mind can ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/22/consistency/ Question: We have a hitter on our American Legion Team who claims that keeping his back elbow up at the point that he completes his stride; i.e. getting into a "Position of Power", or "launch" position, or "loaded" position, allows him to attack the ball with a downward approach. His back ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/19/the-proper-set-up/ I receive numerous calls, e-mails and other contacts inquiring if Head Games is effective in other sports.  The answer is a resounding yes!!  And, not only in sports, but life generally.  Many players, coaches and parents are involved in other sports and need the benefit of sound, proven mental techniques to enhance ... http://www.swingawayblog.com/2008/12/17/a-panacea/