Why Your Game Performance Doesn’t Match Practice
Time and time again, athletes come to me saying that they perform well in practice, but when it comes to game day, they transform into a different athlete.
Throughout the week, they excel in practice, feeling confident and performing at their peak. However, when Saturday's game arrives, it seems as though they've forgotten how to play. They become tense, play timidly, get trapped in their own heads, and fail to execute as they do in practice.
This cycle is incredibly frustrating and leaves athletes wondering what they need to do to consistently transfer their practice performance to games.
Some athletes resort to practicing more, adding extra private lessons, strength training, and additional time on their own. However, the reality is that no amount of extra practice time will make a difference in this situation.
Why?
Because the problem isn't physical—it's mental.
Firstly, I want to reassure you that if this resonates with you, you're not alone. This is one of the most common mental barriers I see in athletes, and the solution lies in incorporating mental skills training into your routine.
So, how do we overcome this mental block?
We begin by comparing the differences you feel between practice and games because, ultimately, they do feel different. However, how you interpret these differences greatly influences your performance.
For instance, in practice, you might feel free and unafraid to make mistakes. Yet, during a game, you might sense pressure, feeling as though any mistake could let your team down. Which results in a markedly different performance.
Next, we develop a mental preparation plan for game day, one of the most critical elements for any athlete. Understanding what works for you and what you need to do to be mentally at your best ensures that your performance follows suit.
Mental preparation encompasses everything you do before the game to ensure you feel confident and perform optimally. It involves identifying what you need to think or say to yourself. We also create a plan for when you're not feeling your best, so you know how to handle anxiety or low energy if and when it arises.
Lastly, we release the unhelpful pressure you place on yourself during games. Whether it's expecting perfection, worrying about others' opinions, or fearing that mistakes will cost your team the game, it's crucial to let go of these burdens.
While some pressure can fuel performance and motivation, excessive pressure can lead to freezing up. Indicating that negative thoughts are hindering your ability to rise to the occasion in pressure moments. By shedding this unnecessary pressure, you can unleash your full potential as an athlete.
Embarking on this process is a game-changer, transforming you from a player who hides during games to one who exudes confidence and performs at their best. Say goodbye to unnecessary pressure and expectations holding you back, and hello to playing as you practice!