Uncertainty in capabilities will produce nervousness, anxiousness, aimlessness, or tension. Your first match or a critical competition can sabotage confidence and negatively influence your execution. For example, athletes who feel nervous may underperform and become distracted. Athletes can fear embarrassment from making mistakes. Furthermore, some athletes compare with other athletes, which is not good when the skill levels are not equivalent. Doubt and distraction will foster lower levels of performance.
Mental training for athletes begins with understanding.
LET GO OF FEAR
Fear can be induced by the instinct of self-preservation or a threat based on an athlete’s perception of importance. An athlete can fear poor results before or during an event, and athletes can fear the negative comments or discouragement from friends, family, and community. Thus internal and external factors can generate fear that sabotages confidence. Seeking professional help to navigate these pitfalls is vital to discovering the best solution for you. However, a simple first step is to identify the expectations that cause the fears that lead to low performance.
PLAY FREELY INSTEAD OF HOLDING BACK
An athlete’s mindset contributes to physical skill development and cognitive skills that enhance their performance during training. Athletes who strive to improve are motivated and display a high work ethic, which helps them practice hard to master their skills. This performance mindset is crucial for success in sport. However, the trustingattitude is equally important because of letting skills happen through practice instead of consciously directing movements.
FOCUS ON SELF – ELIMINATE COMPARISONS
Athletes with insufficient confidence often depend on others for helping them gain confidence. Making comparisons, overthinking about the reputation of their competitors, or feeling like they don’t belong at the current level of play are examples of expectations through comparisons. In the grand scheme of life, the only thing an individual can control is themselves. Thus, building appropriate mental skills is vital.
PLAY FOR YOURSELF, NOT OTHERS
Many athletes depend too much on social approval to boost their own levels of self-worth. Athletes think that if others respect their sports performance, for some reason, it will make them a better person or athlete. Learning new skills always takes time, and confidence in your current skill levels will lead to good decision-making and performance. It doesn’t matter if athletes are develop physical skills or mental skills; self-satisfaction will grow with the proper application of their existing skills.
