Ending batting slumps in baseball: a qualitative investigation.

ABSTRACT

This study used a qualitative method of inquiry to examine how baseball players cope with batting slumps. Players from one national junior (n = 30) and several semi-professional teams (n = 35) made up the sample. Through the use of an open-ended question, each subject was asked to provide advice to players experiencing a batting slump. Inductive content analysis procedures were used to analyse the quotes from the open-ended question. Six major categories of coping strategies emerged from the data focusing on the task, returning to basics, being actively positive, avoiding negativism, increasing effort, and seeking coaching. These findings contribute to the suggestion that baseball players use a variety of coping strategies to deal with batting slumps. Results also showed that national junior and semi-professional players differed on some of the coping strategies they considered to be most helpful. How this information can be used by coaches and sport psychologists is discussed.