Put Your Big Boy Panties On

I mostly disagree when players, coaches and especially sportscasters in many games talk about momentum or change in momentum.  In a figurative meaning relating to softball, gaining momentum is a team that is on a streak of good plays or hits that continue to accelerate. Some would say they are running on all cylinders or on a roll. Consecutive hits in an inning motivates others to do the same and to keep the “momentum” going.  To me each action is separate.  The next batter may try harder to succeed and not let the team down. The reality is they become more disciplined and focused.

How do basketball or football games have “momentum shifts” during the game. Isn’t it a simple act that success gets the players motivated to continue to be successful?  To get back the momentum, the players have to be more focused, disciplined and determined to do the right things. In softball, when some bad fielding plays or poor string of hitting happens, the team needs to have a short memory and focus on what gives them success.  This is a big mental shift from screwing up to playing exceptional and it rarely doesn’t just happen.  There are a lot of clichés used, “get your head in the game”, “buckle up”, “get it together”, “time to put your big boy panties on”.

All teams will say the right things to get on track.  However, it is up to the individual players to eliminate distractions while playing loose, yet focused and confident.  The team needs you to be at your best at these critical moments.