Why do so many athletes assume that their focus is the problem for a poor performance?
We know that concentration (or mental focus) is critical for maximum performance. But many of my athletes think lack of focus is to blame for not playing to their potential. Allow me to explain...
Many athletes assume a poor performance is due to a lack of focus. They contact me to help them improve their concentration in competition. They'll say things such as....
--"I make a stupid mistake and proceed to lose my focus."
--"I can't concentration when I'm down or losing."
--"I perform poorly at the start of competition because I'm not focusing."
--"I'm not executing routine plays because I get distracted."
However, is a poor focus really to blame? Most athletes (and coaches too) often assume that a lack of focus is the culprit for a lack of mental toughness!
But I have a different take on it. Yes, athletes do become distracted and make mental errors during competition, even the pros.
However, concentration breakdowns usually start with other mental game setbacks...
1. Frustration can lead to a lack of focus when athletes are upset with making mistakes when they dwell on the past.
2. I'm sure you know that low intensity causes poor focus. To focus at peak levels (and perform at your peak) athletes must first have the proper amount of intensity or energy.
3. Tension, anxiety, or fear can cause athletes to focus on all the wrong stuff during competition. "What's my coach/parent going to say if I lose this match?"
4. A lack of trust in technique can lead to making mistakes. Athletes just assume that you they didn't focus enough for that easy shot. They tighten up just at the wrong time because they did not trust their ability to execute.
In reality, a poor focus often results from other mental game issues such as fear of failure, frustration, lack of confidence, and low trust in one's game.
We know that concentration (or mental focus) is critical for maximum performance. But many of my athletes think lack of focus is to blame for not playing to their potential. Allow me to explain...
Many athletes assume a poor performance is due to a lack of focus. They contact me to help them improve their concentration in competition. They'll say things such as....
--"I make a stupid mistake and proceed to lose my focus."
--"I can't concentration when I'm down or losing."
--"I perform poorly at the start of competition because I'm not focusing."
--"I'm not executing routine plays because I get distracted."
However, is a poor focus really to blame? Most athletes (and coaches too) often assume that a lack of focus is the culprit for a lack of mental toughness!
But I have a different take on it. Yes, athletes do become distracted and make mental errors during competition, even the pros.
However, concentration breakdowns usually start with other mental game setbacks...
1. Frustration can lead to a lack of focus when athletes are upset with making mistakes when they dwell on the past.
2. I'm sure you know that low intensity causes poor focus. To focus at peak levels (and perform at your peak) athletes must first have the proper amount of intensity or energy.
3. Tension, anxiety, or fear can cause athletes to focus on all the wrong stuff during competition. "What's my coach/parent going to say if I lose this match?"
4. A lack of trust in technique can lead to making mistakes. Athletes just assume that you they didn't focus enough for that easy shot. They tighten up just at the wrong time because they did not trust their ability to execute.
In reality, a poor focus often results from other mental game issues such as fear of failure, frustration, lack of confidence, and low trust in one's game.
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