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QWhen a batter after 2 Ks looking in a game goes up for his 3rd at-bat (assuming you haven't benched him already), what do you say to him before he steps in the box? What do you say to him between each pitch? A hint: saying "whatever you do don't strike out" won't help.

Reader Commentary: 3 responses | WebBall members are invited to comment.

Richard Todd says:
Jul 16, 2009 at 1:56 PM

I would look for signs of lack of confidence in his swing first. Maybe the way he steps into the box, or how he eyeballs the pitch or how quick/slow he is ready to launch. question is - does yelling from 3rd base box do anything?

Scott Cavada says:
May 04, 2010 at 6:10 PM

I would make no mention of the previous two at bats. You must encourage the player only. A game is no time for instruction. The player must be aggressive and ready mentally. Encourage, encourage, encourage. Players know when they've made a mistake, if not something else is wrong.

Richard Todd says:
May 05, 2010 at 7:53 AM

Scott makes a good point... you can't instruct in the game. But is there more to changing the mental framework than being positive? A batter who looks at two called 3rd strikes may not by nature be aggressive. I wonder if he can be made so, or if something else needs to happen?