THE BEACON.

Cleared to play is a medical decision. Ready to play is a mental one. Three questions to ask your athlete before game one back, and why preparation decides.

A highly ranked opponent, powerhouse team, or big-name player can intimidate an athlete before competition even begins. Learn why reputation doesn't determine performance—and how young athletes can train composure to compete against anyone.

Athletes often wait to feel confident before they act—but confidence doesn't work that way. Learn why action creates the evidence that builds belief and how athletes can compete before the feeling of readiness arrives.

Before you buy another lesson or another bat, ask yourself one question: have you invested in the one skill that determines whether all that training shows up in games?