Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

A lot of hitting coaches will tell their players to get in a comfortable position to start the swing.  Or they will talk about how every hitter must do what is comfortable for them at the plate.  These kind of thoughts about being comfortable are severely damaging to the development of players.  I want hitters to do things the right way, whether they are comfortable or not.

For example, while I am working with a hitter I might have them tilt their torso over the plate and retract their scapula, to get them in a good position to start the swing.   I often hear them say they are uncomfortable in that position.  To them, I say “GOOD!”  I want them to be uncomfortable.   The fact that they are uncomfortable is a sign they are making a change.  If they are comfortable while we are working on new things, they are probably not actually doing what we are working on.  Their current habits are what’s comfortable for them. I want them to break out of these habits and improve.  The only way to do this is by being uncomfortable.

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The look I get sometimes

Now sometimes I might get a stubborn player  who doesn’t want to be uncomfortable.  That is fine, they don’t have to be uncomfortable, but they then they have to be comfortable with their current playing level.  And unless your Mike Trout you should not be happy with your current playing level.  There is always room to improve.

Nothing lasts forever and the thing about being uncomfortable is, it doesn’t last.  After a while of forcing yourself to be uncomfortable and do things correctly, the uncomfortable starts to become comfortable.  The position that felt awkward and made you feel tight, starts to feel loose and normal.  That is the goal.  That’s why it is important to stick it out and keep working, even if it is uncomfortable.  You will be better off for it.