Using Visualization to Overcome Pressures in Games
How well do you perform during a volleyball match when the game is on the line?
Are you able to focus when under pressure or does your performance fall off dramatically?
Have you ever watched in awe of how elite players are able to rise to the occasion and play their “A” game when pressure mounts?
Many volleyball players choke under pressure because they are unprepared mentally for pressure.
For sure, some volleyball players are more nervous than other players, but nerves are a part of the game for every player.
It’s true… EVERY volleyball player experiences some degree of nerves during critical moments of a match.
Being down 2-0 generates nerves fora EVERY volleyball player…
Serving for the match increases a sense of nerves for EVERY volleyball player.
Facing a powerful team makes EVERY volleyball player a bit more nervous.
The difference is that elite volleyball players have learned to harness those nerves so they don’t become overwhelmed by the moment and are able to focus and play at their peak.
You learn to harness nerves by training your mind to do so.
There are two ways to train your mind to harness nerves:
1. Create pressure in practice – It is impossible to rise to the occasion if you are not experienced enough to manage those situations. The more you recreate pressure situations in practice, the more prepared you will be to handle those situations in games.
2. Use visualization – Visualization is a strategy where you create vivid images of competitive scenarios, using all your senses to add to the imaged experience and see yourself being successful in those scenarios.
The more you engage in visualization, the more you develop that mental skill and increase your mental toughness.
Visualization is a highly effective method to prepare yourself to rise to the occasion when the pressure is on.
Handling pressure is exactly how the University of Nebraska Women’s volleyball team advanced to the NCAA championship game.
Nebraska was trailing the University of Illinois 0-2 and was on the brink of elimination.
Instead of folding, Nebraska relied on its training, maintained a laser-like focus and fought back to win the next 3 sets, 25-23, 25-20 and 15-1.
Nebraska’s comeback afforded them the opportunity to defend their NCAA title from the previous year.
Nebraska sophomore Lauren Stivrins credits the team’s training for their success playing under pressure.
STIVRINS: “We have high-stress and high-pressure drills every day. I think those drills help us come out on top and be cool in those big moments. With Nebraska volleyball, coming here, you have to have that mindset. You have to be able to face anyone at any time.”
Nebraska was able to perform under pressure because they practice playing under pressure.
Practicing under pressure trains your mind to stay poised and focused under pressure.
Tip for Playing Your “A” Game Under Pressure:
Visualize pressure moments.
Take 10 minutes a day to visualize playing successfully in your position.
If you have never visualized, write out a script describing the pressure situation and how you want to play in that scenario.
Being mentally prepared for pressure moments will take that edge off and help you focus when you need a win.
The Mental Edge For Volleyball Players
Do you over think your performance in games? Do you lose confidence easily after a couple of blow plays? Do you become so frustrated with your game that you can’t focus on the next play?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, it’s a good bet that your mental game might prevent you from consistent performance in games…
Coming this Thursday, we have a new audio and workbook program for volleyball players called:
“The Mental Edge For Volleyball: 8 Mental Toughness Strategies For Peak Performance”
“The Mental Edge For Volleyball” program is ideal for any club, academy, college, or professional volleyball players. In addition, volleyball coaches, instructors, and parents would also be wise to teach the strategies we provide in “The Mental Edge For Volleyball” to their players.
- Players: Get the mental edge by learning how to take control of your confidence, mentally prepare for games, and perform with composure under pressure.
- Trainers: Learn how to give your students the mental game advantage.
- Coaches: Boost your team’s confidence using simple, proven mental strategies.
- Parents: Help boost your volleyball player’s confidence. Don’t let their mind hold them back any longer.
“The Mental Edge For Volleyball” audio and Workbook Program Includes:
- A CD including 8 confidence-boosting sessions on audio. Each 25-30 minute session includes one mental training lesson to help you improve confidence, focus, composure, and develop focused routines,
- One “Mental Edge For Volleyball” workbook to guide you through my mental toughness sessions and to overcome mental game roadblocks.
- Eight “Mental Edge For Volleyball” Post-Game Assessments to help assess how you are doing and provide the answers to make any adjustments with your mental game.
- Eight Pregame Audio Programs to help you mentally prepare for competition.
Learn more about The Mental Edge For Volleyball…
Download Our Free Volleyball Mental Preparation Report!
Discover the mental game secrets to performing serve receive well for volleyball players.
Download our free sports psychology for volleyball report:
Mental Preparation Secrets For Serve Receive: What Every Player And Coach Needs to Know
You’ll discover:
- How to use your mind as an asset instead of a hindrance during serve receive.
- A critical mental error that can undermine your on-court performance!
- How to mentally prepare to perform well during serve receive.
- How to focus your mind and trust your skills using an pre-serve routine.
Please enter your first name, primary email, and role in volleyball below to instantly receive your FREE mental game report:
Boost Your Self-Confidence And Focus With Expert Mental Game Coaching!
Master mental game coach Dr. Patrick Cohn can help you overcome your mental game issues with personal 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 coaching students saying?
“My boys succeeded ! We beat a team that no one could beat during the year, that was coached by a former Professional player , that had sons of former Professional players in the team and as a result of believing in themselves, they won.”*
~Tony Acosta, Coach