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Jan 2023
9m 31s

How to Play Well in Games Like You Do in...

Eli Straw
About this episode

In this episode, you will learn how to turn practice skills into game-time execution!

An incredibly frustrating situation to find yourself in as an athlete is seeing a disconnect between the level of your play in practices and games.

Over and over you think, scrutinizing and analyzing your mechanics, wondering what’s going wrong!

But here’s the truth…if you’re playing well in practice, it’s not your skills that are to blame. Your challenge is mental.

There are three main mental game challenges that lead to poor play during games: sports performance anxiety, fear of failure, and poor focus.

To overcome these challenges, your job is to work on cultivating stronger mental skills, such as confidence and control over your attention. The three mental game tools described in this article will help you do just that.

Pay attention to how you’re thinking, use mental rehearsal, and set performance objectives. That is a strong strategy to help you turn practice skills into game-time execution. 

Self-Talk for Anxiety:

-Take a deep breath and stay calm.
-I trust in myself and my skills.
-I’ve got this. I’m prepared and excited to play.
-I can’t wait to play today!

Self-Talk for Fear:

-I am confident in my skills.
-Let go of the outcome and focus on the present.
-I’m going to have a great game.
-I know I’m a great player.

Self-Talk for Poor Focus:

-Stop and refocus.
-Be here.
-Focus on myself and my responsibilities.
-I can only control what I can control. Be present.

➡️ Interested in 1-1 mental performance coaching? Schedule your free introductory call to learn more: https://www.successstartswithin.com/get-coaching

📖 Mind Games Book: https://a.co/d/gXZfORN

👉 Confident Competitor Academy: Go from playing with fear & anxiety to playing with confidence in just 6 weeks!


👉 Mentally Tough Kid Course

Free Training: Top 5 Mental Mistakes Athletes Make

7 Day Free Trial of Mental Training App: https://mentaltrainingadvantage.mvt.so/

Check out our sport psychology and mental training articles:

Connect with Success Starts Within, LLC:

👉 YouTube videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTKTsxBhit3shv2CXjuDI8g
👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elistraw/
👉 Sports Psychology Website: https://www.successst...

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