Athletes can sometimes sabotage their own success in sports. They “get in their own way” when they try too hard, force their game, over think and over analyze their performance. I’m sure you have heard me mention the phenomenon of “paralysis by over analysis.” If you or your athletes think too much or over analyze their performance, they don’t trust their skills and get in their own way. Athletes who allow their talents to shine can play freely, trust their skills, and don’t feel added pressure to be perfect when they perform. Coaches play an important role in an […]
Read more
19
Oct
2010
In Sports the Game is a Test
11
Oct
2010
It Ain’t Over Till It’s Over
In game 1 of the American League Championship Series, the Texas Rangers broke out to a 5-0 league over the New York Yankees. After six straight shutout innings the Yankees looked as if they were ready to throw in the towel. Their offense was sleeping, and starting pitcher CC Sabathia couldn’t find a solution for the Rangers offense. Then the Yankees remembered that there are 27 outs in a game, and this was October baseball. Former Texas Ranger Alex Rodriguez stated, “They’re pitcher was rolling, but the last six, nine outs are the toughest to get. We just race […]
Read more
11
Oct
2010
Winning is a Team Effort
On August 10, 2010 the Seattle Mariners displayed incredible teamwork by turning a 5-4-3 triple play in a 3-1 win over the Oakland Athletes. “Great things happen when a team comes together on a play like that,” said Manager Daren Brown, “This is what it’s all about, winning is a team effort.” Coach is right, competing with your friends and working together is what baseballs all about. Baseball is a sport that challenges athletes to perform as individuals and as a team. Each player on your team has specific roles such as, the lead-off hitter, the clean-up hitter, the […]
Read more
08
Oct
2010
Playing Aggressive When Behind
Being in the lead can present some mental game challenges. Some players, and even teams, try to protect their lead so they don’t make mistakes. This can cause you to over control your performance, try too hard, think about the results and play tentatively. Other players become complacent with the lead and allow the opposition to make a comeback. Some teams struggle with closing out the game because of a comfort zone. A comfort zone is based on an expectation about how you think you should perform. You might expect to lose to a certain team or win by […]
Read more
07
Oct
2010
Halladay Uses His Mental Skills to Succeed
Philadelphia Phillies’ ace, Roy Halladay made history in his postseason debut hurling the second no- hitter in Major league postseason history against the Cincinnati Reds. Halladay also threw a perfect game earlier in the season against the Marlins, making him the first pitcher in MLB history to throw a perfect game and a no-hitter in the same season. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Halladay in a postgame interview, “This is why I love the game.” When asked how satisfied he was with his postseason debut Halladay responded, “Complacency is something that can make you peak. If you can avoid […]
Read more
05
Oct
2010
Course Management and Pre-shot Routines
Golf courses are designed to challenge you every stroke with the presents of water hazard, sand traps, tree-lines, and rolling greens. Golfer who are not prepared for these obstacles, are unable to make key decisions, which can lead to mistakes. To be successful in competition you should focus on playing the course, rather than your opponents. Golfers who take this approach understand the important of course management. Many golfers view course management as a strategy to help them get out of trouble after a missed shot or bad stroke. Smart golfers view course management as a strategy that helps […]
Read more
01
Oct
2010
Patience is a Powerful Mental Tool in Sports
In his rookie season professional baseball player, Nelson Cruz lacked discipline and patience as a hitter. In the minor leagues, Cruz was a standout player, but he struggled at the plate more often than none. “I didn’t have the patients to be a successful hitter,” said Cruz, “I now know that whatever the situation, I have to stick to my approach, be patient, and make the right adjustments at the right time.” With his new approach, Cruz began the following season with a 14-game hitting streak, five home runs, and a .391 batting average. The saying “patience is a […]
Read more
29
Sep
2010
Use Warm-ups to Focus Your Mind
All good athletes use a warm-up routine one hour before they play. Besides helping you get loose and limber, a warm-up routine has several psychological advantages. The first is that it helps you get focused to play. A warm-up routine helps click in your concentration and put on your game face. It is similar to a runner who stretches before a run or a pilot who performs a checklist to make sure everything is in good order before take-off. Second, this is an excellent time to put the concerns of your life behind you and prepare for the game. […]
Read more
29
Sep
2010
Wimbledon 2010
History was made at the 2010 Wimbledon Championships, when John Isner and Nicolas Mahut battled on the court for a record 11 hours, 5 minutes spread over three days. Both players displayed remarkable mental toughness throughout the match, but Inser took the victory 70-68 in the fifth set. “It was the will to win. Not that I outwilled him; I mean, obviously, he gave it his all,” Isner said. Reasonably, both men were wiped out when it was all said and done. Isner “was incoherent” for 20 minutes, according to his coach, Craig Boynton. “We played the greatest match […]
Read more
29
Sep
2010
Sidney Crosby’s Secret to Success
Sidney Crosby is one of the most electric young athletes in sports. After being selected first overall in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft by the Pittsburgh Penguins, hockey fans expected Crosby to make an immediate impact on the league. Early in his career Cosby felt pressure to meet the expectations surrounding him. “Obviously, this is a new level, but the pressure has always been there,” said Crosby. I’m not trying to be the next Wayne Gretzky or Mario Lemieux, I strive to do my best and perform to my potential — that’s all I can do.” To perform to his […]
Read more
