Improving Concentration

In the heat of competition, concentration and focus can easily waver - missed free throws can result in nervous, anxious thoughts about upcoming shots, or a non-called foul can lead to thoughts of retaliation instead of staying in the flow of the game. Anytime our focus is off of the game and our actions, performance can suffer.
One effective strategy to cope with concentration lapses is cue words. A cue word is a simple phrase athletes use to mentally refocus themselves. For example, "Explode now!" or "follow-through". Cue words are commonly used both to refocus after a negative event and to get the mind back on track after a distraction.
Similarly, athletes commonly experience anxiety prior to a major competition. Research from Self Help Magazine has identified the traits present in mental training regimens which can be used to relieve pre-competition stress, and they are as follows:

1. Using a pre-competition routine (ex: the use of imagery prior to competition to create a positive vision of the competition and to see oneself attain pre-set goals).
2. Using a competition plan (ex: the use of visualization to see oneself accomplish goals before the actual event takes place).
3. Controlling distractions (ex: the use of relaxation techniques such as listening to music to avoid possible diversions caused by any number of people or uncontrollable circumstances).
4. Feedback/evaluation (ex: the use of video review to critique past performance and understand how to prepare for and perform during the next competition).

As with athletic and physical skills, these mental routines and strategies must be practiced. Even five minutes a day practicing and rehearsing cue words can yield positive benefits in competition down the road. For more information on how to refocus the mind before, during, and after competition, contact us at SPINw, and check out these articles from Self Help Magazine Online.

For strategies on refocusing in competition and avoiding damaging anger and negative thoughts, click here.

For strategies avoiding pre-competition anxiety, click here.

Psychology of a Rookie

Sports page headlines have been alive in recent years with the thrilling exploits of NBA Draft successes. LeBron, Carmelo, and Dwyane are but a few of stellar new, young players. As NBA season draws nearer, the fans throughout the Northwest wait with bated breath to see how Greg Oden and Kevin Durant start their careers.
But what is it that separates a draft success from a draft bust? What do James, Anthony, and Wade have that Sam Bowie, Kwame Brown, and Chris Washburn (Chris Who? First round, third pick, 1986) don't?
The answer is complex, as life in the NBA as a young and rising star offers a broad range of challenges for incoming rooks. Most young players don't have the tools necessary to survive and thrive in the NBA. As reported by Self Help Magazine online, 50 percent of rookies are cut by their second season. For every Tim Duncan (Round one, pick one, 1997) there are countless Michael Olowakandi's (Round one, pick one, 1998).
Undoubtedly, one of the hardest factors for young players to adjust to is the length of the NBA season. At 82 games, not counting preseason or playoffs, the professional season presents unprecedented mental and physical challenges to rookies. Furthermore, it can simply be too much for players to live up to the expectations put on them by the pressure of being in the limelight. Throw in multi-million dollar contracts and endorsement deals, and it can be a recipe for disaster.
What are some strategies for players to defeat these challenges? Players must maintain a strong sense of self and self-worth, and not view themselves as an athlete alone. A strong and available circle of close friends and family to help cope is essential, as are good relaxation and calming techniques to avoid frustration.
How will the season turn out for new rooks in the Northwest? The season starts in October.

To see more rookie content from Self Help Magazine, click here.

Check out Sports Illustrated's list of the biggest draft busts of all time here - and yes, Portland, Sam Bowie is number one.