Mindfulness
In the movie, what activity helps the team stay focused and work together, even when life outside the field is difficult?
What is..
Playing Baseball!
When Conor (Keanu Reeves) feels overwhelmed by gambling debt, what is one way he tries to deal with it (healthy or unhealthy)?
What is..
Drinking, gambling or avoiding the problem?
How does Conor’s emotional state change over the course of the film?
What is...
He becomes more emotionally aware and stable, moving from anger and avoidance to compassion.
How does Conor build trust with the team?
What is..
By showing up consistently and advocating for them.
What sport is the focus of Hardball?
What is..
Baseball
Name one way a character could use mindfulness to deal with stress or fear during the film.
What is..
focusing on their breathing, paying attention to their surroundings, or grounding themselves with their senses.
Think of a time a character faced a really tough situation. What DBT distress tolerance skill could they have used to cope better?
What is..
Distraction, self-soothing, or improving the moment.
What emotion does the team feel most often after a win, and how do they express it?
What is..
Joy—by cheering, dancing, and celebrating together.
How does the teacher show interpersonal effectiveness with Conor?
What is..
She sets boundaries and communicates clearly while still supporting him.
What city does Hardball take place in?
What is..
Chicago
During moments of chaos or conflict in the movie, what is one thing a character could focus on using their five senses to stay grounded?
What is..
Noticing what they see, hear, smell, taste, or feel (e.g., the sound of the game, the feel of the glove, the smell of the field).
When the team loses G-Baby, how do they try to handle the grief in the moment?
What is..
They show support for each other and allow space to feel emotions.
Which DBT skill could help Conor name his emotions instead of acting out?
What is..
Check the Facts” and “Opposite Action.”
When the team is treated unfairly, what skill could they use to assert themselves respectfully?
What is...
DEAR MAN—Describe, Express, Assert, Reinforce, be Mindful, Appear confident, Negotiate.
What song helps the team feel calm and confident?
What is..
Big Poppa” by The Notorious B.I.G.
Describe a scene where a character had to stay in the moment and focus, even though they were feeling overwhelmed.
What is...
Multiple answers:
"When G-Baby is watching the game and supporting his team")?
"When the headphones were taken away from the pitcher and he couldn't hear "Big Papa" song"
etc.
How could the kids have used the TIPP skill before a stressful game?
What is..
By taking deep breaths, changing body temperature, or using movement to calm down.
How does G-Baby’s death affect the team emotionally, and what is one way they begin to heal?
What is..
They feel sadness and loss, and begin healing through connection and honoring his memory.
What does G-Baby teach the others about kindness and inclusion?
What is..
That everyone has value and deserves to feel part of the team.
Who is the smallest but most beloved player on the team?
What is..
G-Baby.
If you were feeling anxious before a big game like the players in Hardball, what mindfulness technique could help you calm your body and mind?
What is..
What is deep breathing, body scan, or observing thoughts without judgment.
What distress tolerance skill does Conor use when he chooses to show up for the team despite his own pain?
What is..
Radical acceptance—he accepts the situation and still takes action.
How does routine and practice help the kids regulate their emotions on the field?
What is..
It gives them structure, predictability, and builds confidence.
How does Conor improve his relationships by the end of the movie?
What is..
He becomes honest, supportive, and more emotionally available to others.
What does the movie Hardball teach about growth and responsibility?
What is..
That people can change when they care about others and take ownership of their actions.