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I'll never claim to be a psychologist, but that sounds like a lack of game confidence. Maybe she does well in practice because there's no pressure. Practicing, she can simply relax and have fun. If she "strikes out" in practice, it never retires the sides. No consequences = no pressure.
Every kid is different, with different motivations, different goals and principles. Just like coaches - some have to be pacing and screaming to be at their best (Bobby Knight), where others can sit calmly most of the time (Rick Pitino). Same results, different demeanor.
Take notice how different kids react when they strike out. Some will beat the ground with their bat and stomp off like it's the end of the world. Others will take it in stride without any emotional outburst. Both might be great competitors who hate to lose, but one has learned the discipline to control their emotions.
I've seen lots of what you're describing. Shuffling the feet, lots of time just before the decision to swing. Has she been hit by a lot of wild pitches? Is she "gun shy"? There are lots of factors. The trick is knowing your daughter and what makes her tick, and what doesn't. Most importantly, she has to buy in to the idea that it's ok to fail at the plate - that it's a part of the game. She already KNOWS she is capable of hitting, because she does it very well in practice. So it's purely a mental block she needs to overcome - and SHE'S the one that needs to do it, not Dad, Mom or the coach.
Games have to be played one inning, one batter, one pitch at a time. I sometimes think coaches and parents place far too much emphasis on the winning and losing aspect - too much looking at the big picture. If the emphasis is shifted from "winning" to "executing all the little things you know how to do", and "having fun doing it", the outcome will eventually BE winning. The shortstop that disciplines herself to FORGET that booted ball will easily field the next one. If she dwells on it and beats herself up, she'll talk herself out of being a good shortstop!
It's NOT easy, but she has to practice "picturing" a game in the same way she does practice. If you've ever seen the movie "Water Boy" with Adam Sandler, you'll know what I mean. Once she finds her own method of "zoning", she'll never forget it. Some kids listen to a favorite song just before the game - others have to be off by themselves to "relax and zone-in". Every kid's different, and sometimes the "buying in" to this philosophy is the biggest stumbling block of all.
I know a high school coach that forbid the players from listening to their IPODs before games. Pity that short-sighted coach...
Every kid is different, with different motivations, different goals and principles. Just like coaches - some have to be pacing and screaming to be at their best (Bobby Knight), where others can sit calmly most of the time (Rick Pitino). Same results, different demeanor.
Take notice how different kids react when they strike out. Some will beat the ground with their bat and stomp off like it's the end of the world. Others will take it in stride without any emotional outburst. Both might be great competitors who hate to lose, but one has learned the discipline to control their emotions.
I've seen lots of what you're describing. Shuffling the feet, lots of time just before the decision to swing. Has she been hit by a lot of wild pitches? Is she "gun shy"? There are lots of factors. The trick is knowing your daughter and what makes her tick, and what doesn't. Most importantly, she has to buy in to the idea that it's ok to fail at the plate - that it's a part of the game. She already KNOWS she is capable of hitting, because she does it very well in practice. So it's purely a mental block she needs to overcome - and SHE'S the one that needs to do it, not Dad, Mom or the coach.
Games have to be played one inning, one batter, one pitch at a time. I sometimes think coaches and parents place far too much emphasis on the winning and losing aspect - too much looking at the big picture. If the emphasis is shifted from "winning" to "executing all the little things you know how to do", and "having fun doing it", the outcome will eventually BE winning. The shortstop that disciplines herself to FORGET that booted ball will easily field the next one. If she dwells on it and beats herself up, she'll talk herself out of being a good shortstop!
It's NOT easy, but she has to practice "picturing" a game in the same way she does practice. If you've ever seen the movie "Water Boy" with Adam Sandler, you'll know what I mean. Once she finds her own method of "zoning", she'll never forget it. Some kids listen to a favorite song just before the game - others have to be off by themselves to "relax and zone-in". Every kid's different, and sometimes the "buying in" to this philosophy is the biggest stumbling block of all.
I know a high school coach that forbid the players from listening to their IPODs before games. Pity that short-sighted coach...
