Challenge
During the transition to the competitive stage, many talented athletes approach events with higher expectations which can translate as a fear of falling and worry about not landing their skills. Elevated anxieties lead to a decline in execution of basic skills the athlete could easily perform in the past and they feel a big loss in confidence.
Insight
The athletes focus is ineffective during their program or routine, and they do not have the level of self-awareness to change their thoughts or emotions to perform their skills freely under pressure. Skills break-down and a focus on ‘trying not to mess up’ is reinforced.
Intervention
I teach a special formula of visualisation techniques for skaters and gymnasts that enhances their focus on the right things when performing complex skills and movements. Once introduced, athletes can practice these mental techniques on their own to improve skill acquisition. Awareness of the mind and body is greatly enhanced and confidence and control follows. Keep in mind, this is not the only mental skill introduced in training, but a key competent.
Results
Over a series of sessions, feedback from the athlete and their parents in such cases have shown improved confidence and control of skill execution, performing more freely in the program, excitement to compete, and new personal bests in national championships.
