The number one component an elite athlete must have to be successful is a high level of confidence. Number 1A, not even number 2, is great rhythm during competition. These two elements are the driving force for any athlete looking to dominate their competitors, while also reaching that “competitive zone” more often.

Being confident is the most important characteristic an athlete must have to be successful. Without this, it will be nearly impossible for an athlete to dominate their respective sport.

Establishing Rhythm is another element that is extremely important for an athlete during competition. You always hear the elite athletes talking about getting into rhythm or getting into a nice groove when playing. I’m sure you’ve experienced this as well. It is very difficult to score 40 points in a basketball game or go 4 for 4 from the plate if you never even allow yourself to establish your rhythm for that day.

Getting in tune with what your optimal rhythm of play is key to achieving consistent rhythm while competing. You must have great self-awareness when practicing to understand your ultimate rhythm. You then must strive to find this rhythm throughout the course of your game. It takes great discipline to stick to your guns and continue to strive for good pace and rhythm when times are going bad. Any adversity you may experience (i.e. making a turnover, missing a shot, drop in confidence, or a negative outcome) will cause you to loose any timing and rhythm of play. When you stay disciplined enough to execute the technique of great rhythm, then you are telling yourself that you completely trust in your abilities to play your sport and are committed to the all of the practice you have put in.

After hitting a bad shot in golf, work on establishing your rhythm the next time you step up to the ball. This will take your mind off of the shot you just hit. Now, you may not hit a great shot your next attempt and maybe not even the attempt after that. What is important is that the sooner you get back to a nice comfortable rhythm of playing the game then the sooner you will get back to playing excellent golf.

Remember to stick to your guns and always strive to find your rhythm of playing the game. The more disciplined you are in doing this technique, the better chance you will give yourself to be successful for that day.

Sports Psychology/Mental Training from Mental Apex

Many times you’ll hear your coach or a teammate say, “you need to focus” or “come on, concentrate!” Rarely do you hear someone tell you exactly what to concentrate on. Everyone tries to focus out there when competing. The key is to be able focus on the right elements of competition. The correct focus for an athlete should be on the process of what you’re doing instead of the outcome of the task.

All athletes grow up conditioning their mind to focus on the outcome of a task. Will I win or lose? Will I make this free-throw? Will I hit a home run or strike out? This list goes on and on. Great execution of focusing is when you are able to block out the outcome thoughts and focus on the process of what you do to achieve the outcome you are striving for. For instance, your focus should not zero in on whether you will make this 8 foot putt for birdie, your focus should lock in on the techniques you use to get relaxed, the execution of your putting routine and executing the right feel of that 8 foot putt.

Focusing on the process of what you are doing allows you to put your energy and concentration on something you have 100% control over. When focusing on various outcomes then your invested energy is now tied up in situations you have little control over. If you were to enter a tournament and I asked you, “How much control do you have over winning this tournament?” Your response may range anywhere from 5 to 50 percent depending on how you perceive all of the elements of that tournament. Thinking like this makes it a lot more difficult for to be successful when your focus and energy is on such small percentages. Remember to stay in your circle when focusing because these are the tangibles you can control over 100% of the time.

Sports Psychology/Mental Training from Mental Apex