Selection try-outs. Two unfamiliar coaches stand on the sideline with clipboards. Your first ball contact: a bad pass.
What's happening in your head?
Pick the thought closest to yours. There are no wrong answers.
Strategy
Scouting, three characteristics instead of peak performance:
- 1Before the game, decide on three things that define you.
- 2Consistently show these three.
- 3After the game, only evaluate these three.
Practice now
Three things that are yours
Before important games, before a trial, or whenever only the result counts.
Redirecting comparison
When you constantly compare yourself to others in training or on your phone – especially looking at squad lists or highlight clips.
Whose expectation is that?
Before trials or important games, when everyone's got an opinion – best to do it calmly beforehand.
Why is that?
- Process and goal settingStrong
Too many or too rigid goals increase pressure. Outcome goals alone often worsen experience and execution.
- Self-talkStrong
Instructional self-talk is most effective for fine motor skills; effects are smaller for strength and endurance tasks. Positive platitudes unrelated to the task have little effect.