Author – Vedika Jogani
A recent graduate from Ithaca College with a Master’s degree in Sports and Exercise Science, specializing in Mental Performance, Vedika Jogani is OMP’s Product and Content Manager.
The World Series is here, and this year pits the LA Dodgers against the New York Yankees, the 12th time the two organizations have faced off in the champion-deciding seven-game series.
This particular showdown is even more significant as it’s only the second time in history that the two top seeds from each league have met in the World Series.
The pressure is immense, and every moment could be career defining.
So how do the stars of MLB mentally prepare for the World Series?
How Athletes Can Mentally Prepare for Big Moments
It’s easy for athletes to feel overwhelmed when faced with high-stakes situations, but there are ways to manage that pressure effectively. Here are some strategies:
- Trust the Process Athletes need to remind themselves that they’ve put in the work. Confidence comes from preparation, and when it’s game time, it’s about going out there and giving it everything.
- Visualize Success Visualizing past accomplishments can be a powerful tool. Knowing they’ve succeeded in the past can help players remain calm and focused, no matter what’s at stake.
- Practice Mindfulness Staying in the present moment is critical. On the biggest stage, it’s easy to get swept up in the enormity of it all, but athletes perform best when they are fully engaged in the here and now, taking nothing for granted.
Managing Fan Expectations
Expectations are sky-high.
Dodgers’ fans are looking to Shohei Ohtani to deliver a championship, while the Yankees’ title as the most successful franchises in MLB history means their fans almost demand success.
Managing these expectations is crucial for players. So, how can they stay composed?
- Limit Distractions: Social media and external opinions can cloud focus. One effective approach is working with sport psychologists to create personalized routines.
These routines often involve setting boundaries, such as reducing time spent on social media. This helps athletes avoid being consumed by the outside noise and keeps them focused on what truly matters: their performance. - Stay Calm and Composed: When the pressure builds, staying composed is crucial.
Breathing techniques like deep breathing, box breathing and grounded techniques can help to focus on the sensory details and allow athletes to stay in the present moment. - Positive self-talk is another key strategy. Athletes can replace negative thoughts with empowering affirmations, boosting their confidence and keeping their minds sharp under pressure.
- Finally, pre-performance rituals provide athletes with a sense of control and familiarity, helping them remain calm even in high-stakes situations.
The Culmination of a Long Season
After a grueling season of 162 games, everything boils down to just seven – and that’s if the series makes it to Game 7.
It’s a test of both physical endurance and mental resilience. Staying sharp and focused during this short, high-stakes series is crucial.
Here’s how athletes can keep their edge:
- Use Focus Cues: Simple words or phrases serve as mental triggers to help players stay focused and block out distractions.
- Managing Distractions: Pre-performance routines and visualization techniques help athletes tune out external noise and concentrate on the task at hand.
- Stay Motivated: Athletes can remind themselves of their “why”—the reasons they love the game and what drives them—keeping their passion alive and making the pressure-filled moments enjoyable.
As the Yankees and Dodgers face off, it’s not just their physical skills that will be tested.
The mental game is equally, if not more, important.
By trusting their preparation, visualizing success, and staying mindful, players can navigate the pressure and rise to the occasion in what could be the defining moment of their careers.
