Preparing the Mind
Preparing the Mind
While an elite athlete can spend countless hours training his or her body, too often, little time or attention is devoted to preparing the mind for the challenges and demands of sport. Because an athlete's state of mind can significantly affect his or her performance or the eventual outcome of competition, developing strong mental skills can help athletes of all levels searching for a competitive advantage.
Some of the influences affecting an athlete's state of mind include:
- the pressure and desire to win
- managing a unique and busy schedule
- past success or failure in competition
- injuries and rehabilitation
- expectations of coaches, parents, or sponsors
Top athletes tend to deliver their best performances when they are physically relaxed and mentally focused. Mental training instruction can help athletes better withstand the pressures associated with competition by teaching them to:
- mentally prepare for competition
- manage emotions that affect performance
- improve dedication and commitment
- increase their sport enjoyment
- optimize self-confidence
- respond better to adversity
- avoid sport burnout
- increase ability to cope with competitive stress
- enhance the quality of practice
Given the expectations and popularity associated with professional and top amateur sports today, addressing the mental aspects of competition is becoming essential for athletes looking to improve their performance.
Injury Support
Mental training is not just for active athletes; it is also for athletes who have been sidelined with an injury or athletes who might have experienced a career-ending injury.
Mental training services for injured athletes include:
- imagery to enhance the recovery process
- mental training to minimize performance decrements
- goal setting during injury rehabilitation
- mental training for a successful return to competition
- support and assistance to help cope with the transition away from sport
- relaxation and stress management
