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Playing Time

Do you prepare for games, matches, or competitions differently than you do for practice or training sessions? Why?

I've asked many athletes this question, and time and again I get a similar answer: "Because games are more important, and that's when it counts". But how can you expect to perform on game day, in the heat of the moment, if you don't practice the heat of the moment?

This mental fitness tip is about practicing the way you want to play, and preparing for practice the way you prepare for competition. By approaching practices in the same way you approach games, you essentially get yourself more playing time. Think about it: if you spend 4 hours per week in practice but don't really bring your total focus and attention to those 4 hours, you're missing out on vital performance development. Prepare yourself mentally for each practice and training session the way you would for a game. Here are a few tips to get you going:

Consider how you typically approach a game or competition. Do you get lots of sleep, eat the right combination of foods, focus on what you want to achieve before you even step foot on the court, ice, or field, and critically evaluate your performance post-match? Then bring the same approach to practice and training. To get the most out of every performance, follow the same routine for practices as you do for games; you'll be amazed at what begins to happen. Practice with a purpose by setting focus points for each practice.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • What is your goal for your training session today? What do you want to accomplish? Focus on the process, the things you can control, rather than outcomes. Write out your focus point in advance.

  • After your practice go back and evaluate yourself on how you did in terms of achieving your process goal. Were you successful? Why or why not? What can you do differently next practice to enhance your performance?

    • Be disciplined to make this a habit for every single practice and training session over the next few weeks; soon you will see your performance in practice soar, which will translate to better and more consistent game-day performances on the court, the ice, or the field. Try it for 2 weeks straight and I guarantee that you will benefit from more consistent performances. Consistency is what separates the good from the great.