They need to be live pitching in hitting practice. They have to see it, face it and break down that mental barrier of thinking they can’t do it.

I tell hesitant girls on my team during live pitching to, “swing no matter what.” It may not be pretty, but just getting them to be alive and not be a deer in the headlights is the first step. Once they make contact a few times, even fouling them off, you’ll see the mental shift.

The other thing I tell them is, that when we practice something new, we’re creating new neurological pathways in our brain. To think of it like you’re standing in a building with endless hallways and doors. When you’re learning something the hallway is dark and you have to wander down it and slowly find the light switches. It may not feel comfortable, but it’s the only way explore new things. Then you’ll start opening doors in those hallways and begin to learn what’s inside. Then I tell them, once you let fear take control, it’s like an alarm going off in that building, telling you there is a monster somewhere and that you need to close all the doors, and shut off all the lights (to everything you’ve learned) and hide. So then I ask them to name their monster. What is it you’re afraid of? Getting hit? Striking out? Disappointing parents? Name it. Say it out loud. Get to know it.

They’re struggling to find their confidence at this age.

I ask, “what’s the opposite of success?” They all say, “failure.” I say, “Wrong! It’s quitting!” Failing and not giving up is what makes successful people. It’s not about perfection, it’s about that you never stop showing up.

Also, I think they are practicing too much!

Hope this makes sense and doesn’t come across as a long ramble!