Mental Skills Training - Performance Inhibitors

I believe that mental skills training can directly affect an athlete’s within-competition performance. When an athlete’s mental state is acting in a counterproductive manner, what’s known as performance inhibitors (anxiety, confidence, concentration and motivation) can creep up and lower performance. For me, it’s much like running into a strong headwind affecting my skills and coordination. Becoming aware of these performance inhibitors can enable you to control and minimize the negative affects of this headwind on your performance.

Think back to a previous game when your performance was optimal or near perfect. This may be the best you have ever performed. What led up to this performance? Was it a uniquely good week of practice and training? Take a few minutes and think about your performance this day.

Now think back to a previous game when your performance was far from optimal or near perfect. This may be the worst you have ever performed. What led up to this performance? Can you identify and mental performance inhibitors. Take a few minutes and think about your performance on this day.

Becoming aware of what was working for you and what performance inhibitors were present can help you make the necessary adjustments and perform closer to your optimal level. Detrimental thoughts, attitudes and beliefs can all affect an athlete’s ability to execute at the level that they are physically capable of. Developing strong mental skills has the ability to help athletes compete as close to 100% of their potential as possible.