Chloe Lesko, #73 in the 2023 Extra Elite 100, is the latest player to join our team of bloggers at Extra Inning Softball.
The 1B/OF, a sophomore at Aliso Niguel High who plays for Cal Cruisers 16U-Sievers/Caouette, is known for her elite deep ball power.
For her initial blog, Lesko is focusing on the mental side of softball and shares her thoughts…
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A strong mental game is needed by a player in order to emerge victorious from the self-inflicted battles that a player will inevitably face in their sport.
In the world of softball, the main battle is the face-off between batter and the pitcher. However, if things go south at the plate, our thoughts tend to follow …
At least for me, I hate losing more than I love winning; whether it be getting a hit during an at-bat, or the all-around score, I can’t stand being unsuccessful!
Nevertheless, when things do not go my way, it is important to then not let my mental game fail as well.
If you haven’t heard it already as a hitter, you are going to now …
“You cannot get everything back with just one swing.” — every coach I have ever played for.
As a lefty power hitter, I tend to use my ability to hit the ball hard as a “coping mechanism” for my past angers. However, sometimes I am too preoccupied with my anger and therefore tend to overswing.
In this case, I would have a “mental block.” I was too busy having the internal battle against my past at-bat and wasn’t able to focus on the present moment. In that instance, my mental game was off.
Having a strong mental game means to be able to take a hit. Not physically of course, but in this case a player must be able to handle and own up to their own mistakes. It is hard enough as a batter to battle the pitcher. Having to quiet your hands if she’s throwing gas or staying back on a breaking off-speed curve are just some of the possible scenarios a hitter has to adjust to.
There is no need or positive outcome that stems from facing other battles. You, as the hitter, cannot let your past actions affect you in the present or else your at-bat will already be over before you face the pitcher.
In other words, you would have defeated yourself before even stepping into the box.
The easiest thing to do is just to not let it affect you. That’s what your coach will tell you and that same message will be repeated to you by your parents during the car ride home.
But, talking player to player, I am glad you care! Softball is a game in which many of us have grown up in. It is a part of our life, our weekly schedule, and in some cases, our weekend plans.
I am glad that as a player that you care so much about your performance. The only refining line I will say is to not be so negative!
Although I initially muttered the phrase “negative connotations do not produce positive motivations” as a defense during a softball-related argument that I had with my dad/coach, the phrase actually shares a useful lesson.
As a critic to my own practice, I often find myself patronizing my past self. Now, mind you, I obviously want myself to succeed… I love being successful.
But the hypocritical factor of my ambition is how I talk to myself.
More times than not, a player will not do well if they do not believe in themselves. Having a negative connotation, or meaning, behind your self-talk is in a way, setting you up for less of a chance for success.
In order to do your best, you need to be mentally tough and know that you’re giving your best effort.
So… care for the sport you love with all your heart. Want to be the best and want thousands of fans to cheer your name.
But most of all, don’t forget to be your own fan!
— Chloe Lesko
