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    Next Leavell Inspiration
    NEXT LEAVELLINSPIRATION

    STEP UP TO THE PLATE

    Baseball Mindset Training

    "Every excuse, obstacle, and limiting belief is trying to strike out your potential."

    Great baseball players don't become great because they never face adversity. They become great because they learn how to respond when the game gets hard. Sometimes the challenge is an excuse. Sometimes it's a slump, an error, frustration, or a real obstacle standing in your way.

    A winning mindset doesn't ignore reality—it responds to it. Your goal is to identify what is holding you back, develop a stronger mindset, and commit to an action that moves you forward on the diamond.

    Task: Identify your mental blocks, rewrite them, and take action.
    Excuse, Limiting Belief, or Obstacle
    Winning Mindset
    Action I Will Take
    Example: "The umpire's strike zone is terrible today."Example: "I can't control the umpire, but I can control my approach and swing at my pitch."Example: "I will step out of the box, take a breath, and focus only on the next pitch."

    Reflection

    1. What challenge has held you back the most this season?

    Example: "I get too in my head after I strike out."

    2. How has it affected your preparation and performance?

    Example: "I carry my bad at-bats into the field and make errors."

    3. What mindset will help you compete at your best?

    Example: "The most important pitch is the next one."

    4. What action will you take this week to reinforce that mindset?

    Example: "I will use a physical release, like adjusting my gloves, to let go of mistakes."

    5. What area of growth have you been avoiding?

    Example: "Working on hitting off-speed pitches because it's frustrating."

    Coach's Challenge

    Failure is part of the game.

    Baseball is a game built on failure. The best players don't avoid failure—they learn, adjust, and attack the next opportunity. When you let excuses creep in, you give away your power. Take ownership of your response.

    "You won't get a hit every at-bat, but you can compete every pitch." ⚾💪

    "Coach Dee has been a game-changer for our 11U Rockhounds! His ability to connect with and inspire these boys have helped build their skills, confidence, and love for the game. He pushes them to be their best both on and off the field in a way that doesn’t demand perfection. He shifts the focus from failures to celebrating all the small wins! We highly recommend Coach Dee to any player looking to take their game to the next level!"

    — Walter and Tiffany CummingsParents, 11U Rockhounds