|
|
|
Preparing for
Playoffs
Shaun Goodsell, MA
At some point in your athletic experience you will most likely
participate in some kind of playoff. These games come with greater
pressure, more potential anxiety, and greater emotional highs and
lows. So, what are the best ways to manage these very difficult
times? This article is going to highlight three principles for
putting your best foot forward during the playoffs.
First, have Realistic Expectations.
Young athletes hurt their own performance as well as their teams
when they think that everything they try should work, or they
shouldn’t have to deal with things that go the other teams way. I
have found that the more unrealistic the expectations the more
intense the frustration. Having unrealistic expectations sets us up
to be unprepared for what is most likely to occur therefore, putting
us at a disadvantage when events unfold that are out of alignment
with what we thought would happen.
Second, Focus on Actions Rather than
Results. In pressure filled situations it becomes very
difficult to remain poised and emotionally stable. When our bodies
become overwhelmed with anxiety and adrenaline our judgment may
become compromised and we become prone to outbursts of frustration
and anger sometimes resulting in taking a penalty, committing an
untimely foul, or simply performing tentatively resulting in less
then excellent performance. This is heightened when we become over
focused on results rather then the actions that are required to earn
the results that lead to victories and excellent performance.
Third, Exhibit Emotional Flexibility.
Playoff time is filled with ups and downs. There are moments of
great excitement as well as great despair. Because of these
paradoxical moments athletes are forced to deal with these ups and
downs with poise and with grace. Doing this requires the capacity to
be flexible and not allowing one’s emotions to get too high or too
low. A phrase I have used for years to summarize this principle is;
“Never too high, never too low”
Playoffs test our physical and emotional preparedness. With the tips
above, the uncertainty and pressure of playoff time can be an
opportunity to shine and reveal your Mental Edge on your
competition.
Best to you this playoff season!
To find out more about this topic and to schedule a free telephone
consultation, please call 763.439.5246.
Shaun Goodsell
President and CEO
Mental Edge
|
|
|
What They're
Saying about the Mental Edge “We wanted
to send you a thank you for the wonderful work you have done with
our son, Tyrone. Somewhere along the line, the pleasure and
enjoyment Ty got out of sports began to feel more like pressure. He
had a harder time focusing and felt frustrated with his performance.
Through the profile assessment and the individual sessions with you,
he learned tools to help him with positive thinking, managing
disappointment and diversity, focusing, and increasing his
confidence in all situations. He could apply these tools immediately
and see the results in all areas of his life… his grades, his
relationships with family, friends and teammates, and his sports
performance. Most of all, he’s having FUN again. You made an instant
connection with him and understood exactly what he was feeling. Your
honest and direct approach quickly built a high level of trust and
he valued you as a trainer and coach. We’ve spent a lot of money
over the years for sports training but the Mental Edge program was
definitely the best dollars for the results we ever invested in our
son.
Thanks to Justin Johnson for his coaching and guidance (especially
during the pre-tryout time) and to Dawn for keeping it all
organized. You have a fabulous program and we would be happy to be a
reference at any time.”
Colleen and Dan Simcoe Thank you for
being such caring and giving people! It is awesome for Jack to have
such a positive mentoring relationship!
Cheryl
|
|
