Preparation is the action or process of making something ready for use or getting ready for some occasion, test, or duty. Preparation is the building block for consistency and through consistency comes confidence.

The best players in the game of baseball are able to consistently perform at the top of their game. These elite athletes all have a program they adhere to and follow on a regular and routine basis. Their desire to succeed and the discipline to follow through on their commitment to training both mentally and physically to reach the greatest potential is what makes them a professional. “Practice makes perfect”, or what we should really be saying is “Perfect practice makes perfect”. When an infielder fields hundreds of ground balls during practice, he or she is not only practicing physically but is also preparing themselves mentally as well. The infielder prepares mentally by concentrating equally on fielding each practice ground ball as if it was being hit during a game situation.

When asked about his preparation, retired San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn said, “I’ve been doing this so long, I can’t stop”. Players like Tony Gwynn have ingrained a habit of being prepared and this habit becomes their way of creating confidence in their ability to play the game.

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