Composure – how important is it for young players?
In our last article on Concentration, we looked at self-awareness and where thoughts and passions can interfere with performance.
The age old bug-bear of performing well is anxiety and in wanting to do well we try too hard and lose our composure and fluency.
In this situation muscles tighten up and thoughts of the coaches consequences and outcomes take over from the tasks expected of us and those that serve us best.
Many players worry about performing up to standards set by the coach and his expectations, however some of these expectations can become negative issues and cause a player to lose focus.
Coaches can set out a vision and goals which though difficult may be achievable for all team members. A good coach who is realistic knows what a team can become and what they are capable of achieving without getting angry and making poor decisions.
Sporting contests are exciting and emotional and because of their unpredictability. A coach who loses his temper and gives his team a ‘baking’ every time he’s dissatisfied with their performance, transfers his anxiety to his players.
Coaches and players need the capacity to be analytical, cool and dispassionate in the heat of battle when things can be chaotic, confusing and difficult.
The old saying is: ’Anger makes you stupid.’ We are never at our rational best when high emotions are playing on our thoughts and distracting us.
Anger, anxiety, tension, fear and frustration are all things that can operate to distract us from the task at hand. Managing our overall emotional state is central to our being able to function optimally when it counts.
This page is dedicated to Quality Completions, proud sponsors of the Kalamunda ‘Cougars’ football Club.
http://qualitycompletions.com.au
