In November, we introduced Coach Ron Schmittling, a renowned Mental Performance Coach and author of Winning Starts Within who will contribute articles frequent with us.

We’re excited to have Ron contribute regularly to us with ideas, tips and training on how to improve “mental performance for fastpitch athletes!

In today’s post, Ron teaches us that one common two-word phrase meant to help a player, can do more harm than good… here’s why:

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It’s a tight game.

Bases loaded and a hitter steps into the box tense and stressed.

From the stands or dugout, someone shouts out a well-meaning phrase of encouragement:

“Relax!”

The batter, however, doesn’t relax, she tightens up… and results are less than ideal.

… and then everyone wonders why.

Why the Brain Rejects “Relax”

“Relax” sounds helpful — but under pressure, it’s useless.

Why?

Because the brain doesn’t know how to relax on command, especially in competitive moments.

Under stress, the nervous system is already activated.

Telling an athlete to relax is like telling a car to stop without touching the brakes.

The result?

• Confusion
• Frustration
• More tension

Pressure Isn’t the Problem

Pressure isn’t the enemy…. unclear direction is.

Elite athletes don’t eliminate tension, they channel it.

Trying to relax removes intensity and what athletes need is focus and direction, not calm emptiness.

What Works Instead

Instead of “Relax,” athletes need actionable cues.

The brain responds to:

• Specific tasks
• Clear instructions
• Physical anchors

Not vague advice.

The Replace-Relax Formula

Here’s what to say — and train — instead:

1. Breathe With Purpose

Not “calm down”… try:

• Inhale through the nose
• Slow exhale through the mouth
• Feel feet connect to the ground

Breathing with intent gives the nervous system direction.

2. Shift to External Focus

Pressure pulls attention inward:

• “Don’t miss.”
• “Don’t strike out.”
• “Shift it outward”
• “See the logo on the ball.”
• “Attack the inside pitch.”
• “Hit it hard somewhere.”

External focus frees reaction time.

3. Move Immediately

Stillness feeds tension… instead, athletes should:

• Adjust batting gloves
• Step out and back in
• Tap the bat
• Reset posture

Movement resets the mind faster than thought.

Why Relaxation Fails Under Pressure

Relaxation works after competition. Recovery. Sleep. Reset. Performance requires readiness, not relaxation.

The best athletes feel:

• Alert
• Focused
• Engaged
• Energized

Not loose and empty.

Your Challenge This Week:

• For Athletes: Replace “relax” with one cue you trust. Use it every at-bat.
• For Coaches: Ban the word “relax” for a week. Replace it with: “What’s your focus?”
• For Parents: Instead of “Just relax,” try: “Trust your preparation.” Pressure moments don’t require less energy; they require better direction.

And that’s the real mental edge!

— Ron Schmittling for Line Drive Softball

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Previous Articles:

• Mental Mindset: The 5-Second Rule That Separates Winners from Quitters (December 13, 2025)
• Mental Mindset: From Dropout Statistics to Champions… Why the Mental Game Can’t Wait (November 24, 2025)

Author Bio:

THE MENTAL EDGE is written by Ron Schmittling, MPM—Certified Mental Performance Coach, NFCA Coach of the Year finalist, and author of Winning Starts Within. After more than a decade coaching and directing a national fastpitch program with a 100 percentage college placement rate, Ron now trains the mental side of the game, helping athletes stay composed under pressure, reset fast, and compete with clarity and confidence.

Here’s how to access Ron directly and via his info on social media:

• E-mail: ron@coachronmpm.com

• Online (website): coachronmpm.com

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachronmpm

Want More? Here are More Ways to Get Ron’s Great Insights into Having the Mental Edge:

*30 Day Mental Performance Challenge

My challenge helps fastpitch athletes, coaches and parents train the mental side of the game with simple, daily tools for confidence, focus and fast recovery when pressure hits.  Click HERE to join

*”Winning Starts Within” (Ron’s book & E-book)

My book breaks down the 10 mental skills every athlete needs—including the 3 R’s, routines, visualization, and how to build confidence that doesn’t crack under pressure. Available on Amazon or CoachRonMPM.com.

* Mental Edge Workshots

Coaches: how would you like your whole team trained in these tools? I deliver 60-to-90-minute workshops where players and teams learn and apply these techniques immediately. Here is the link to his 1:1 Coaching or Team Informational Session Link.