The Underdog Mindset in Sports The definition of underdog is a team or individual that has a small chance of winning a competition. Here are a few examples when you may be considered the underdog: Playing against an undefeated team this seasonCompeting against higher ranked or seeded opponentPlaying against a team that you have never beatenCompeting against physically stronger or faster … [Read more...]
Figure Skating Practice, Preparation, and Confidence
Mental Preparation in Figure Skating Every skater has heard the phrase, "Practice makes perfect." In reality, mostly all skaters have some degree of doubt regarding this mentality. The ultimate truth of the matter is that "practice makes preparation." For example, if you practice landing a clean salchow jump 20 times in practice, 5 days a week, that is 100 practice jumps over the course of a … [Read more...]
How Athletes Bounce Back From Defeat
Moving Past Missed Opportunities in Competition A missed potential game-winning shot does NOT define you... A fall during a major competition does NOT define you... A dropped ball in a playoff game does NOT define you... A false start at Nationals does NOT define you... A game-ending mistake against your biggest rival does NOT define you. Missed opportunities can be bitter pills to swallow. As … [Read more...]
Setting the Right Goals for Skating
Reaching Your Skating Goals With "Big Picture Thinking" What is "Big Picture Thinking"? "Big picture thinking” is the ability to see athletic goals as a process. Unfortunately, many skaters set goals and want to obtain immediate results. Here is a trap that many skaters fall into... Josh P., a 14 year-old skater, fell shy of his National goal the previous season. After Josh had an end of … [Read more...]
How Pro Athletes Improve Their Mental Game
Learn From The Pros For a Stronger Mental Game Many athletes ask how to improve their mental game so they can perform at their peak in competition. When you have the talent... And you put in the work... And you want to win or succeed, but are not... Your mental game is holding you back. The following example is a common experience for many athletes in many different sports... "I feel like I … [Read more...]
Do You Always Have Bad Luck in Sports?
Taking Responsibility to Turn Your Game Around Do you feel you never get any breaks in competition, as if you were cursed by bad luck? Do you feel you get unlucky bounces, unfair officiating, bad seeding, unlucky draws, inopportune equipment failure, horrible competition conditions, injuries, and opponents who are firing on all cylinders just at the right time? You probably question, "Why … [Read more...]
How a Pregame Routine Helps Athletes Succeed
How to Develop A Pregame Routine Are you anxious prior to competitions? Do you feel unsure before a game and fearful that you might mess up? Prior to a competition, are your thoughts scattered and your mind filled with distractions? Do you find it difficult to mentally prepare for a competition and get into the right mindset? Anxiety, fear, worry, the inability to focus and difficulty … [Read more...]
How to Perform Well on the Court in Big Moments
How to Play Big During Big Moments Your mental game for volleyball is especially important when: Your team is the underdog - Facing a powerhouse can be daunting. The mystique of a powerhouse can cause some teams to see the game as a loss even before it starts. Your team hasn’t defeated a certain team in quite a few years - When a team seemingly has your number, it can cause a team to play … [Read more...]
One Method to Be Mentally Prepared
How to Visualize Your Upcoming Performance How has anxiety affected some of your athletic performances? Chances are that anxiety prior to an athletic performance caused you to play far below your ability. The main reason for anxiety prior to a competition is uncertainty. Uncertainty can cause some athletes to mentally envision potential mistakes or fear the worst prior to a competition, … [Read more...]
Don’t Talk Yourself Into Service Miss in Volleyball
Overcoming Pressure to Preform in Games Have you ever missed a crucial serve? Like one of the "deadly sins" of serving? A first point, a game point, after a time-out, after a teammate misses their serve? Serving under pressure, especially in a position like game point, can be extremely difficult for volleyball players. You might feel like the spotlight is on you and everyone is watching … [Read more...]
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