Staying Focused: How Athletes Sustain Peak Performance
Have you noticed that your team loses focus at crucial moments in the game? If so, you are not alone. I’m seeing it in game after game. It’s a big performance issues facing coaches!
In order for athletes to compete at the highest level they must be focused on the task at hand. An athlete’s intense and unwavering concentration and mental clarity is crucial for achieving peak performance. An athlete's ability to stay focused in key moments is often the difference between success and failure.
When athletes are fully engaged in the game, they are more likely to execute their skills with precision and make better decisions in real time. Being focused enables athletes to make those split-second decisions as well as analyze situations quickly and make the right choices.
“When you show up, how you carry yourself, how you behave, how you focus and prepare yourself … matters.” – Mia Hamm
Focus allows athletes to get in the right mindset and block out nerves, self-doubt, crowd noise, and other obstacles that can get in the way of peak performance. In team sports, maintaining focus is essential for effective communication with teammates.
Being mentally locked-in, tapping into a mindful, present state is just as important as having physical abilities. Focusing and paying attention to details can help athletes stay composed under pressure and reduce anxiety. Self-awareness and presence are the key ingredients. Self-aware athletes recognize and are mindful of their mental and physical states before and during competition.
"If you are focused on the past or the future, you will be reactive. If you are rooted in the present, you can be the one in control.” Novak Djokovic
Being in the present moment, or the “here and now,” allows an athlete to shine in the most competitive moments. They are sharper, less distracted by mistakes, without worry about the future, centered in the present with only the next play in from of them.
So how can athletes train this mindful, present focus? How can they maintain their mental edge from start to finish?
Here are a few of the pre-game routines we use to help athletes focus in the present moments before competition:
Centering: Find a quiet space and do 5-10 minutes of deep breathing exercises to calm the mind and relax the body.
Visualization: Imagine making perfect plays and successfully executing your game plan from start to finish. Make it as vivid as possible.
Warm-up: Perform your usual physical warm-up and drills while being mindful and present with each movement.
This combination of mental, physical, and emotional preparation primes you to perform in a focused, present state once the real competition begins.
We also use in-game strategies for staying present or regaining focus during games. Here are just a few:
Mindfulness cues: Use a physical cue like touching your wrist to remind you to take a mindful breath and refocus.
Self Talk: Avoid inner negative chatter. Have a toolkit of positive self talk motivational words or sayings. Stay centered inwardly during stoppages in play.
Cancel the noise: Visualize noises and distractions dissolving away so you can singularly focus.
Mastering these in-game techniques to redirect your focus and be truly present is essential to sustaining your highest level of performance.
Though raw physical talent is important, an athlete's ability to eliminate distractions and zero-in on the task at hand is what separates good from great. With consistent and creative focus training, athletes can develop the mental skills to block out distractions, remain fully engaged and sustain peak performance from start to finish during competition.
Focus, self-awareness and presence unlocks an athlete's full potential.
I have shared just a few of the strategies we employ with teams and athletes to stay focused and present while competing. Reach out if you would like to learn more! As always, let me know how I can help you and your team incorporate focus, self-awareness and present moment strategies. I am here to support you and your team on your journey!
Set up a complimentary discovery session at www.cathyandruzzi.com/contact. You can also follow me on Twitter @CathyAndruzzi and Instagram @CoachDruzz. I look forward to hearing from you!
