The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In this book, authors H.A. Dorfman and Karl Kuehl present their practical and proven strategy for developing the mental skills needed to achieve peak performance at every level of the game.

Product Details

• Paperback: 360 pages
• Publisher: Diamond Communications; 3 Sub edition (July 25, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888698543
• ISBN-13: 978-1888698541
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #15,970 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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  #9 in	Books > Sports > Miscellaneous > Sports Psychology
  #29 in	Books > Sports > Baseball

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for serious baseball players, March 27, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

I have three boys who play ball from little league to college teams. When they are in high school, I give them a copy of this book. More than any new glove or bat, more than 100 hours of cage time, more than any clinic, this book is the single most influential thing I can do to help them get better. The concepts in this book are applicable to most facets of life, but are set in the context of baseball. Look, I've seen the inflated ratings for books here, but I believe this one really deserves a 5. A lot of books on sports psychology seem like fluff to me. You've heard it: "Take a deep breath, focus, sharpen your vision, control your emotions." Huh? This book is meaty and informative. It tells stories that illustrate not only why it is so critical to improve mentally, but gives proven examples of how. The book is full of testimonials and examples from major league players. I couldn't say it is the first and last word on the subject of mental baseball, but it is BY FAR, the single best source I've read. I agree with the review above that this book is a MUST read for anyone serious about improving in baseball, and certainly for anyone hoping to play at the higher levels.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS BOOK BEFORE ANY OTHERS!, August 7, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

My son is an 11 yr old travel baseball player. While fundamentally sound, recovery from a mistake, a bad at-bat, individual focus and concentration have always been challenging. This comprehensive, insightful book on the mental aspect of performance is simply amazing -- I couldn't put it down. Immediately after reading I began implementing the mental tips provided in this book. The results were instantaneous! His concentration, visualization, focus and relaxation improvements translated directly into improved performance. Batting avg sored and pitching performance increased dramatically. Through visualization of proper techniques, written goals and the ability to relax, he was 2nd on the team in BA during 2001 USSSA world series w/ .483 avg and was winning pitcher in the championship game against Puerto Rico. Without the techniques in this book, I have no doubt his performance would not have been as successful. I take the book with me every where to use as a reference -- pages are highlighted and becoming frayed. Make no mistake....if you have an established player looking to improve, buy this book before any other. In my opinion, this book will benefit even the most advanced player!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Guide for Ballplayers at All Levels, March 2, 2002

By	vickie (Chicago) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mental Game of Baseball: A Guide to Peak Performance (Paperback)

As a softball player, it's difficult to find good books about softball, especially from a mental aspect. Although baseball may have it's strategic differences compared to softball, this book is a great resource for anyone who plays ball. As a college softball player, I've used this book throughout my high school and collegiate years. When I get into a slump, get down on myself, or just feel frustrated, I return to this book. It has been essential to my success as a player. Before the start of offical practices each winter, I reread the book. I've highlighted it, underlined it, and bookmarked specific passages.
I've always considered the mental game of a sport far more important than the physical and this book has helped widen my eyes even more to that aspect of the game. I highly suggest buying this book if you play the sport, coach it, or even love it. It has some great points and some great stories from professional players. This is the perfect book for anyone who wants to truely understand the game of baseball.