Performance in Sport
Athletes at all levels invest extraordinary amounts of time training physically to maximise performance. However, the ability to psychologically prepare equally is critical to converting those physical skills into best performance. I have a unique approach to understanding and training the mind to elevate competitive performance.
Assessment & Evaluation
The first step in developing a performance improvement plan is assessing an individual’s or team's current, strengths, weaknesses, mental and emotional states and short, long and ultimate goals. This may involve interviews, questionnaires, and psychometric assessments.
Attention Skills Development
An understanding of what the attentional demands of your chosen sport or performance discipline is in my view the most important psychological skill to be developed. The ability to understand how and when to shift attention under pressure will increase the likelihood that you will maximise your performance.
Intensity Management
There is a lot of commentary in today’s world about how people are stressed, nervous or suffer from anxiety. These words have a negative connotation and when used and repeated and reinforced the performer invariably experiences these negative feelings. What we need to be able to do is reframe this experience and recognise that what is needed to perform in any context is the appropriate level of tension or what could be called intensity.
Without enough intensity we can’t perform because we are either psychologically and physically under prepared and likewise when the level of intensity is too high then we experience psychological over-stimulation and physical responses that hinder performance. Learning the skills to monitor and adjust when necessary is critical to performance.
Competitive Perspective Skills
We all have in our heads a continuous stream of conversation that will either help or hinder our performance. If the internal commentary is unconstructively critical or negative, it can interfere or disrupt other cognitive functions necessary for best performance. This can become so habitual that we find it extremely difficult to recognise that this is happening and change it. But it can be!
What we need to do is to replace the destructive dialogue with self-talk that allows us to perceive a more accurate present reality and hold a perspective that is anchored in that reality.
Expectation Management
Being clear about what your expectations are is critical to best performance. Setting expectations that are based on a realistic performance range but nevertheless lean towards best, helps you understand and manage the requirements that help you achieve it.
Overall, a sound approach to managing expectations provides both inspiration as well as opportunities for building resilience.
Using Your Imagination
The ability to use your imagination when preparing for performance is a key mental skill. This skill includes the ability to visualise ideal movement and outcomes, and also experiencing the internal sensations associated with the physical as well as those of ideal mental and emotional states.
Team Dynamics
If you have a team that needs development I will work to improve communication, cohesion, and ultimately teamwork. I will help athletes and coaches build better relationships and teach tools to resolve conflicts before they impact performance.
Injury Rehabilitation
Coping with sports-related injuries can be mentally and emotionally taxing. I help injured athletes maintain a positive and productive mindset, adhere to rehabilitation programs, and facilitate a smoother return to training and competition.