What were the worst conditions you faced in a competition? Were you able to concentrate on competing, or did the weather or arena mentally affect your performance? Wind, rain, snow, excessive heat, frigid temperatures, and glaring sun can affect playing surfaces and competition conditions. It is challenging to be your best when weather conditions are
What’s the best way to turn your performance around? Every athlete experiences rough spots or slumps, which causes periods of under performance. Many times, those athletes get in trouble when they focus on their most recent disappointing results. Many athletes fall into the trap of being mentally “nearsighted.” That is, they are consumed by their
Stay Focused on What To Do in the Present Are you fearful of losing or making “big” mistakes in competition? Welcome to the world of sports where losses and mistakes are a part of the game. Two types of athletes exist in sports: One type of athlete focuses on the fear of making mistakes while
Don’t Let One Mistake Affect Your Performance Does making a mistake affect your performance in competition? Maybe you can refocus and be your best for the rest of the competition. Or possibly, one mistake turns into another and your performance spirals downward. The thought of that mistake or the consequences of that mistake take the
How to Use Pregame “Nerves” to your Advantage Many athletes have misconceptions about the effects of pregame “nerves” before competition sport. *Misconception 1: Elite athletes are NEVER nervous. *Misconception 2: It’s the total lack of nerves that cause elite athletes to be successful. *Misconception 3: Elite athletes are born with the capacity to remain 100
How to Approach an Important Competition Do you wish you could play BIG in BIG moments? All athletes want to come up BIG in BIG moments such as: The gymnast who hopes to nail her routine in a championship meet. The golfer who dreams of sinking a birdie putt to win a golf tournament. The