Competing for a position in highschool baseball.?

Question

So my fall league baseball is about to start, and I already know that Im going to have to compete against at least 4 people for my position. (which is 2nd base.) Two of them being seniors and I am only a sophmore. Last fall ball year, i beat out the seniors for the position (i was a freshmen and they were juniors). Last fall ball year i played excellent, i made only one error the whole season. Which was 16 games. But recently I started making alot of errors and i cant figure out why. Ive done everything my coach and team mates have told me to do but still cant find out the problem. So im worried that my error streak will carry over to my fall ball this year, and effect my competition for my spot. I know im a better player than this, because ive played so much better before now. So any suggestions? Please can someone help me, im desperate. Thanks in advance.

P.S. I didnt quit practicing or anything so dont say that, if anything ive practiced more and harder.

Answer 1

When you get out there, don't forget to have fun. Stay loose. If you worry about it too much you will be stiff or try to anticipate and that will end up causing the errors.

Answer 2

My husband said it's in your head. Relax and play. Don't let one mistake become a lot.

Answer 3

Ah - the high school days. High school baseball was SO fun. I understand where you're coming from, there is so much competition and it feels so great when you make the squad and win a starting spot!

You can do it, buddy. You can do it ALLLLLLLLL NIGHT LONNNNNNNNGGG! Haha.

Really though, just do your best, man. Try not to think, "don't boot it!" but instead try to think about the current situation of the play. What will you do with the ball if it comes to you. Don't think about getting the ball. You will field it cleanly. Just think about what you're going to do with it when you get it.

Try to imagine the next play before it happens. Visualize yourself making the play. These things sound so corny, but at least you're not thinking about fielding the ball.

You play second base, so you should be thinking:

Runner on first -

Will he try to steal? 3-2 count, 2 out he will be running.

Signal to SS who is covering 2B on a throw.

Where should I position myself for double play?

Am I covering 1B on a bunt? If not, can I back up the throw?

There is ALWAYS a new situation, man. Every pitch is like a chess-match. That's why I love baseball so much, because the mental aspect of the game is such a fight. Don't give up an inch.

Don't give up an inch to those other guys competing for your spot, either. Live your life like you are the best. You only have one life, so don't think about failure. Know you will succeed.

You don't have to talk like you are the best, but KNOW you are the best. Live it.