The Underdog Mindset in Sports
The definition of underdog is a team or individual that has a small chance of winning a competition.
Here are a few examples when you may be considered the underdog:
- Playing against an undefeated team this season
- Competing against higher ranked or seeded opponent
- Playing against a team that you have never beaten
- Competing against physically stronger or faster opponents
- Going up against athletes who are adorned with many accolades
Athletes’ or teams’ mindset determines the chances to pull out a win or successful outcome when over-matched.
Thus, you want to work on the right mindset that will help you play to your or your team’s ability.
First, overcome the label of ‘underdog’ for a moment…
How would you feel if you were told by your friends that “You probably won’t win today”?
What would you think if your teammates said, “We are going to get crushed this game”?
How much effort or focus would you apply if you said to yourself, I have no chance to win today”?
If you believe you have zero chance of success, you’ll probably go through the motions and not give 100 percent effort.
When you have this defeatist mindset, you have little chance of succeeding.
Now flip the script…
How would you feel if you were considered the next possible Cinderella story?
What would you think if you saw the competition as an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and pull off the upset?
How would it affect your effort if your teammates were excited to be the team to dethrone the reigning champions?
This underdog mindset would fuel your effort and focus, after all, you have a chance of succeeding.
The underdog mindset relies on the fact that you have trained at a high level. In other words, you must be physically and mentally prepared to your fullest for the competition.
The underdog mindset requires that you trust your training and believe in your ability to perform to your capabilities.
The underdog mindset requires that you keep your focus on your strengths, embracing the challenge, and looking to grow.
Case in point, look no further than the Virginia Tech/Duke University game in the sweet-16 match-up at the 2019 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Duke was picked by many to win the tournament and arguably have the most dominant player (Zion Williamson) in all of college basketball.
Most people picked Duke to win the game handily. Despite being the underdog, Virginia Tech’s strategy was to avoid the hype and keep the focus on their strengths and game plan, according to Virginia Tech senior Ahmed Hill.
HILL: “Our game plan stays the same. Yeah, [Williamson] is a tremendous player. But it is what it is. We’re going to not let the ball get in the paint… make him shoot long, contested 3s and force turnovers. We’re going to limit our turnovers and get great shots.”
Virginia Tech guard Justin Robinson said the team saw the game as just another game.
ROBINSON: “I don’t think we’re excited for the moment. I think it’s just another game for us.”
Despite losing the game in the last seconds, 75-73, Virginia Tech battled and gave themselves a chance to win. That is the underlying positive quality of the underdog mindset.
How to Compete with the Underdog Mindset:
First, you should feel no expectations or pressure to win as the underdog, which allows you to play freely.
The “underdog mindset” doesn’t guarantee victory, but success is not always about the final outcome.
You want to keep the focus on your game plan. Write out the 3 keys for success the day before the competition. Read these keys the day of and just before the competition. These keys should be your sole focus during the competition.
And be sure to focus on your talents, strengths, and abilities, not your opponent’s.
Improve Concentration in Sports!
If you’re an athlete who is frequently distracted, loses focus in competition, or wants to learn more about how to focus better under pressure, The Focused Athlete is for you!
Concentration and the ability to focus under adversity is what championship athletes do best.
It only takes one distraction to enter your mind for you to lose a critical point, miss a putt, or lose a second off your lap time. You cannot afford to let distractions run wild in your mind and cause you to make errors at critical times in the game!
The Focused Athlete is a complete system to teach you how to focus like a champion and harness the power of a zone focus every tie you step on the playing field, court, track or course in practice and games!
This workbook and CD program consists of 2 audio CDs that include 14 days of focus boosting exercises and a simple to follow workbook that guides you through each of the 14 days, helps you apply strategies, and customizes the exercises to your personal focus challenges.
Discover:
- How to use preshot routines before shots or serves to help you be more task-focused instead of worrying about results.
- How to quickly identify distractions that sabotage your concentration and how to quickly refocus after distractions.
- How to use pregame routines to help you harness the power of zone concentration before competition.
Learn more about one of our most popular CD programs in The Confident Athlete Series…
The Focused Athlete: A 14-Day Plan For Superior Concentration
What are customers saying about our mental game programs?
“I enjoyed ‘The Confident Athlete Series’
very much. I particularly liked the format, the ease of the program,
and the 2 CDs that accompanied the workbook – 10-20 minutes a day was
simple to adhere to and put in my busy schedule. I love the part about
confidence with grace, and what I want to portray and feel the minute I
step foot into Los Angeles for nationals. I love the affirmations, the
relaxation techniques, and just the entire perspective of the program.”*
~Sarah, US National Aerobic Gymnastics Team
“As a result of reading and implementing ‘The Confident Athlete Series,’
I am once again enjoying golf and letting bad shots roll off my
shoulders and appreciating my good shots without attaching expectations.
Thanks Dr. Cohn!”*
~Stu Blasius, P.G.A. Golf Professional
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
If you’re a top performer during practice but find yourself under-performing in competition, the most likely culprit holding you back is your mental game.
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with one-on-one personal mental game coaching.
You can work with Dr. Patrick Cohn himself in Orlando, Florida or via Skype, FaceTime, or telephone. Call us toll free at 888-742-7225 or contact us for more information about the different coaching programs we offer!
What are our mental game coaching students, parents and coaches saying?
“Patrick, with your great instruction
on the mental game, I had the best nationals I have ever had. And even
more important, I got through the five days relaxed and had fun – a new
concept in my life! The bottom line – I got five firsts and one second!
Thank! You are just what I needed.”*
~Dennis O’Brien, swimmer
“The sessions have been so helpful. Dawson has been playing really well and more importantly feeling great about it all.”*
~Kecia Muller, Lacrosse Parent