We launched this series by defining it as "an exploration of how thinking affects performance". Nothing brings that home more than how the brain's reward mechanism can work AGAINST learning during a training event that's unavoidable... batting practice.

That's usually because it's done to generate the most satisfaction (reward) from the least effort. In neural terms, the dopamine neurons are firing, the pleasure centers are activated, and consequently it just feels good to be at the plate smacking puff pastries all over the map.

What's wrong with that? Nothing, if the intent is to make the players enjoy an afternoon in the sunshine. However, we learned earlier about the impact of losing on learning - and how dopamine neurons are both the carrier and trigger. But if losing teaches, then where does reward fit in? Poorly.
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