Physical Activation Can Improve Your Intensity
Athletes often under perform early in competition because they lack the proper level of intensity. Why is intensity important for athletes?
When athletes come prepared with a high level of intensity, they’re more likely to focus better in competition, which results in a better overall performance.
If you (or your athletes) come to the game tired or with a lack of intensity, you’ll will not focus well and this will show in your performance. And not performing well early in the game, can snowball into a lack of confidence or even frustration.
When you are not focused at the beginning of a game, start by noting your level of intensity.
For most athletes, intensity equals focus. But this is not in every case. Some athletes do better with a lower level of intensity. How can you or your athletes figure out what’s the ideal level of intensity?
You want to think back to your best games or performances. What level of intensity did you have? Do you need to have super high intensity or stay calm and relaxed? You want to find your ideal state and strive to recreate that level of intensity.
How to Improve Your Pregame Intensity
You or your athletes can boost intensity by improving physical activation. Physical activation happens automatically in the middle of the game when your HR and respiration are high.
However, you want to have high activation at the start of competition. You might try riding a stationary bike, doing sprints, or jumping rope before the game starts.
Physical activation gets their heart rate into an optimal zone. This allows you to focus better. But that’s not all you can do…
Another way to boost intensity is to make sure you feel challenged. The author of “Flow,” Dr. C says that being fully immersed happens when you have a clear challenge and you have the skills to meet that challenge.
Sometimes you might feel bored or less challenged and thus lack the right pregame intensity. You want this to feel challenged but NOT turn it into an expectation.
For example, a golfer might focus on hitting the first two greens in regulation. A tennis player might challenge self to go into the net two times in the first game. A swimmer might think about a strong push off the wall.
When you understand the level of optimal intensity that helps you focus your best, you want to create this optimal zone of intensity before every competition.
Consistent mental and physical preparation leads to consistent performance!
To learn more about how mental training can help athletes, check out these Top Sports Psychology YouTube Channels to help improve your confidence, focus, composure, and success in sports.
The Focused Athlete
“The Focused Athlete” program consists of 2 audio CD’s 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 the strategies, and customizes the exercises to your personal focus challenges.
The 2 CDs and workbook guide you through 7 sections every day for 13 days…
The Warm Up
Prepare your mind to focus with an introduction to the daily focus booster.
Concentration Clip
Learn by example by tapping into the mindset of champion athletes.
Daily Objective
Define what you need to learn each day and set goals to achieve them.
Daily Focus Boost
A daily confidence boosting exercise you can do in your own workbook.
Affirm Your Focus
Ingrain and deepen your focus ability each day with mental imagery and positive affirmations.
Take Focused Action
Goals and specific tasks to help you take action and apply what you learn to competition and practice.
The Focus Scoreboard
Test your understanding and application of the principles and concepts each day.