When 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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27
Jan
2011
Working With a Sports Psychology Expert
Although mental training is still a developing discipline of performance enhancement elite athletes have been using mental training techniques for years. For example For example Jack Nicklaus used mental imagery before every single shot he played and Roy Halladay admits to listening to a mental rehearsal programs before each game he pitches. There are many possible reasons why people still do not buy into the benefits of sport psychology. The main reasons being a fear of the unknown, a lack of time, and confusion on what works best. Sports psychologists’ help athletes identify and overcome the mental barriers that […]
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24
Jan
2011
Andy Roddick Performs in a Trusting Mindset
A common mental tennis challenge is that young players get trapped in a training mentality, which cause them to over-thinking or over-analyze their technique during matches. The problem starts in practice when you spend too much time in the practice mindset working on your strokes. Part of this training is critical to your improvement, but you don’t want to get trapped in a training mindset when you play. At the advanced or expert stage of learning, your skills become well-learned, which allows you to play virtually on autopilot. With a well-learned forehand, you can make a good stroke without […]
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19
Jan
2011
Use Pregame Jitters as an Advantage
Many athletes feel pregame jitters in the opening minutes of the game. You may feel butterflies in your stomach or your heart pounding. You can think of pregame jitters as helpful or harmful to your performance. Some athletes like to feel pregame jitters before competition. These athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of readiness and energy. Other athletes think of pregame jitters as a sign of nervousness. Pregame jitters can be harmful when they don’t go away in the opening minutes of the game. They can cause you to lose confidence and focus. When you’re focused on […]
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18
Jan
2011
Emotional Control and Compsure in Sports
Do you or someone you know lose emotional control easily in competition? Some athletes lose their composure after they make a mistake, someone on their team makes a mistake, or the referee makes a bad call. To gain maximum composure you must accept that you are going to make mistake and experience setback in sports. When you do make a mistake it is important to have a strategy that helps you regain your composure. You need to be more accepting of mistakes and encourage yourself to move forward – focusing on the next play, shot, race, or routine. The […]
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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 […]
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18
Dec
2010
Goal Setting for Sports
Goal setting helps athletes commit to the goals and objectives they have for their sport. Professional baseball players like Chase Utley, Derrick Jeter, and Tom Brady have reached the top of their game by setting, evaluating, and reformulating goals throughout their career. Things to consider when setting goals: Goal should identify a specific action or event that will take place. Goal and its benefits should be quantifiable. Goal should be attainable given available resources. Goal should require you to stretch some, but allow the likelihood of success. Goal should state the time period in which it will be accomplished. […]
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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