Improving Focus in Volleyball Matches

One point at a time… one set at a time… one match at a time.

How many times in your athletic career have you heard a coach, player, teammate, commentator or parent mention the previous mantra?

As a volleyball player, you know you should be focused on one point at a time.

You know that the only way to play at your peak is when you are fully immersed in the current point.

If every volleyball player understands the importance of focusing “one point at a time”, then why do so many players have difficulty with this type of focus?

There are a few reasons why some volleyball players have difficulty maintaining a “one point at a time” focus:

1. You are constantly being bombarded by distractions that can hurt your focus.

Your mind can wander during a match hundreds of times while you are attempting to play. Some distractions are external, but most are internal distractions…

Your internal voice is constantly reminding you of past mistakes, bad matches, the importance of this match, how tired you feel, how sore your hip is, who you may be playing in the next round, what your coach might say to you after the match, etc.

2. You may not be consciously aware of what you are focusing on.

If you are not consciously aware of what you are focusing on and how that focus affects your game, it becomes almost impossible to stay focused on the right things that will help you play optimally in the moment.

3. You may never have devoted any time or training towards improving your focus.

Focusing is a mental skill and skills require practice. Even the most technically-sound athletes continue to practice their technique.

That repetition is what makes those athletes great. If you want to have improved focused, then you need to train your focus.

If you want to consistently play your best, then you need to have a sound mental game, in particular, a “one point at a time” focus.

University of Nebraska senior, Kenzie Maloney, talks the talk and walks the walk when it comes to focus.

Nebraska beat Maryland in dominating fashion 25-13, 25-10, 25-18 with Maloney leading the way with three aces and 11 digs.

Even though Nebraska ended its regular season on an eight-match winning streak, Maloney still preaches that there is only one path to success in the post season and that is by focusing one point at a time.

MALONEY: “You can’t really look ahead to the final four even thought that’s our goal. I think it’s just focusing on first round, second round, and then taking it point by point and really focusing on the opponent at hand instead of looking so far ahead.”

Focusing on the present moment is where peak performance can be achieved… so roll up your sleeves and get to work on your FOCUS game!

How to Have a “One Point At A Time” Focus

Identify what you should focus on during a single point given your role on the team. What performance cues help you on the court?
Be aware of the thoughts and game situations that pull you away from fully focusing on the current point.
Fully immerse yourself into the current point–one play or touch at a time. Does anything else matter when playing?
When you notice you’re distracted, refocus on the current point in the match.

Awareness is a key step in developing laser “one point at a time” focus.

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?

“I am so grateful for your insights and experience. My focus is sharp and I feel relaxed but ready to meet whatever challenge comes up. If I make a mistake, I am able to let it go and move on immediately. You have really helped me to get back on track and get things going again.”
~Suzanne Strudwick, LPGA Tour

“Dr. Cohn I’ve been tearing it up lately! Every single thing you taught me works perfectly in every situation I’ve been in. In the playoffs I’m 5-7 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs. I feel great at the plate and focusing is a breeze now. I just wanted to thank you for everything and keep you posted with how everything was going.”
~Jalen Phillips, High School Baseball Player