Simple Technique To Get Your Athletes Relaxed
The question surfaces often by coaches and parents:
“How can I help some of my athletes relax before big (games, meets, races, etc.)”
Tom Petty said it best, “the waiting is the hardest part.” It’s the amount of time to actually “think” before a competition that causes the most stress.
Since, the moment itself provides enough excitement, NOT nervousness, it is a matter of athletes NOT getting “over-hyped” rather than being “under-hyped.”
Here’s How To Get Your Athletes Relaxed
Aside from actual mental training and mental toughness that focuses on pre-competition strategies, there actually is a super-fun way to help ease the tension of an entire team and get em’ relaxed.
When I am with teams at ALL levels, I’ll use any break or transition to play the old reliable “rock, paper, scissors.”
ROCK
PAPER
SCISSORS
It is easy, fun, fast, and best of all, competitive.
All athletes hate to lose, so they can switch their focus to winning a game of RPS rather easily.
These moments have scored big points with getting their mind away from the upcoming competition. But more importantly, I also use the quick game to help them with their focus, confidence, and to ease the tension. This is a simple technique to get your athletes relaxed!
Dr. Rob Bell is a Sport Psychology Coach. DRB & associates coach executives and professional athletes. Some clients have included three different winners on the PGA Tour, Indy Eleven, University of Notre Dame, Marriott, and Walgreens.
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