do you “show your hand” in competition?
When playing cards, would you ever willingly show your hand to your opponents?
Of course not.
Yet, in sports, athletes often reveal far more than they realize through their body language. Poor posture, slumped shoulders, or a look of frustration doesn't just affect personal performance; it broadcasts vulnerabilities to everyone watching.
This realization hit home for me during my playing days.
Whenever I spotted a pitcher with poor body language, my confidence surged.
I knew they were on the brink of a mistake, giving me a significant edge before the next pitch was even thrown.
So, what's the takeaway for athletes?
The key is to act and carry yourself differently than how you might feel inside. By maintaining confident, positive body language, you not only boost your own morale (scientifically proven BTW!) but also keep your opponents on their toes.
Now, let me be clear:
This isn't about pretending or being inauthentic.
It's about understanding the strategic element of body language in competition.
Like a skilled poker player, you must learn to keep your "cards" close and not give away any advantage to those looking for any sign of weakness.
Implementing this in your game can transform the way you're perceived on the field. More importantly, it can change the way you perceive yourself, which will immediately improve every aspect of your life.
After all, we cannot outperform our own self image.
Which brings up another point:
If you want to improve your self esteem, confidence, mental toughness, and mindset heading into the season, the Major League Mindset 8-week LIVE online trianing is for you.
In just 8 weeks, you’ll change the way you play and think…forever.
-Brandon
