Players and spectators “talk trash” all the time in sports at every level. It is just another aspect of the game in many sports. Mentally tough athletes remain focused, composed and relaxed in the face of trash talk. They have the ability to fully immerse into their performance – unfazed by what others have to say. Problems with trash talk occur when athletes let it affect their composure and emotional control. During the heat of the battle trash talk can lead to frustration and aggression, which is what we want to avoid. So how can you help player’s avoid […]
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24
Feb
2011
Frustration and Aggression in Sports
23
Feb
2011
Understanding Your Kids Behavior in Sports
Parents should not make assumptions about their kids’ behavior in sports. You might feel your child is not trying hard enough, is a poor sport, or maybe even takes the game too serious. When your kids appear to be struggling with their performance it is important that you communicate with them to identify the root of their behavior. For example, as a young athlete I held high expectations for my performance. These high expectations became strict demands that I needed to meet each game, such as going 4-for-4 at the plate. When I made a mistake or failed to […]
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17
Feb
2011
Helping Athletes Succeed
If athletes want to get the most out of their sports performance, it’s critical for them to understand the value of improving their mental game. Athletes’ lack of understanding is the number one barrier that prevents them from embracing mental training. Coaches and parents should educate their athletes on the numerous benefits of sports psychology and mental coaching. Athletes who embrace mental training have an advantage over competitors because they know how to overcome the barriers that limit their performance. They excel in practice, and fully immerse into their as a competitor in competition. Mentally tough athletes find ways […]
Read moreWhen asked how Aaron Rogers prepares for the biggest game of his life, he responded, “I think the key is to be able to focus on your preparation. You can’t let the other distractions and the magnitude of the game take you away from what you need to do next. You need to show up prepared to play, expect the unexpected, and know exactly what you are going to do,” said Rodgers. This is great advice and a tip I encourage my students to adhere to. You want to stay committed to your preparation and not get lost in […]
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12
Jan
2011
High Expectations Lead to Doubt Not Confidence
Athletes can undermine their confidence without even knowing it. One way is to set strict expectations. The other is to hold onto self-doubt. Expectations can be tricky for athletes and coaches unfamiliar with the mental game. You might think that setting high expectations is good for your performance. But, in reality, high expectations put unnecessary pressure on yourself. Strict or high expectations can undermine and suck the life out of confidence! Some athletes set their expectations so high, they are almost impossible to reach. Throwing an no hitter or going 4 for 4 at the plate each game for […]
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08
Jan
2011
Hockey’s Number One Mental Game Asset
Self-confidence is how much you believe in your ability to perform, and in hockey it is the number one asset when discussing your mental game. Self-confidence separates great athletes from the good athletes. Athletes with high self-confidence play more aggressive and focused compared to other athletes because they believe in their ability. The two most common confidence killers are high expectations and self-doubt. High expectations are demands that you place on your performance. If you fail to achieve these demands, you will lose confidence in your game. Instead of having high expectations for yourself, you’ll want to set smaller, […]
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05
Jan
2011
High Confidence Leads to Success
Confidence is key to success in sports and the number one asset that separates great athletes from the rest of the pack. Athletes cannot reach their true athletic potential without massive amounts of confidence in their talent and abilities. In sports confidence is defined as one’s belief in their ability to execute a task or win an event. It’s a mindset that says, “I can do this,” but it is based on tangible things such as your past success in sports. Most athletes will tell you that confidence comes from past success, playing well or positive experiences in their […]
Read moreHere are the top myths and attitudes that prevent athletes from embracing mental training: “I do not need to improve mental toughness — I’m already mentally tough.” Some athletes may feel that they are already mentally tough. Mental training is designed to help athletes stay mentally tough. All athletes can tune up on their mental game. Mental training is also a good review for mentally tough young athletes. “My teammates or coach would think I am weak if I needed mental training.” Mental training is not a weakness, but a chance to improve young athletes’ mental game and performance. […]
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16
Dec
2010
Momentum in Sports
Momentum plays a critical role in your team’s success. When your team has momentum, you feel like everything going for you. For example, your team can’t make a bad play or miss a shot on goal. You play fearlessly. Momentum keeps your team’s confidence high and helps your players find the zone. However, momentum doesn’t always go your way. Sometimes, your team can lose momentum after experiencing a setback such as the referee making a bad call or the other team making a key play. When this happens, it can be difficult to regain your momentum. When your team […]
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13
Dec
2010
Playing Beyond Your Comfort Zone
We received the following question from an athlete: “What do you think happens when you have the upper hand and still lose the game, and you know you are beating yourself?” Many athletes don’t perform their best when they have a big lead because they play within their comfort zone. What is a comfort zone? A comfort zone based on how you expect to perform. Comfort zones are challenging when you are playing better than expected. What do you think is happening with my mental focus?” When performing inside your comfort zone you will likely play tentatively to avoid […]
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