How to Stay Focused During Competition
In “Sports Psychology Sessions with Doc,” Dr. Patrick Cohn answers a question from Judith who wants to know how she can overcome external distractions during competition.
Judith said:“I’m distracted during league play… Loud talking, people moving in my line of sight, loud music, all those things. I don’t like it because it distracts me. I know I cant control any of these things, however, it takes me out of my game. It’s hard to focus on my shot”
The question Dr. Patrick Cohn answers this week is: “How can I focus better with all those distractions going on?”
There are two different types of distractions: (1) internal and (2) external. External distractions are easier to brush off. You have to have a plan and focus only on the play or task at hand.
Video on Coping with Distractions
Related Sports Psychology Articles
- How to Refocus After Making Mistakes
- How To Refocus Quickly When Distracted
- How to Prevent Mental Mistakes During Competition
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The Focused Athlete
It’s probably no secret that you have many opportunities to become distracted in sports. Athletes are bombarded with both internal and external distractions everyday in practice and competition. Focused athletes are able to get the most from their skills because they are more efficient with practice and more concentrated in competition. Athletes who lack focus let distractions run wild through their mind and don’t know how to adjust or refocus.
The Focused Athlete was developed for any level coach, parent, or junior to professional athlete who wants to improve performance and gain a competitive edge. It does not matter if you are a fledgling junior athlete; or a seasoned professional, plagued with distractions; or you just wanting to learn how to improve concentration…
“The Focused Athlete” is a complete system to teach you how to focus like a champion and harness the power of a zone focus every time you step on the playing field, court, track, or course in practice and games!