Mind Tools - Sports Psychology - Sporting Excellence

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The following pointers should lead you to maximise your sporting abilities:

Training Excellence
- Set specific achievement goals before each training session
- Prepare your mind before training to get the most out of each period
- In training practice your skills with the maximum attention and effort
- Use imagery and simulation to mimic actual performance as far as possible
- Practice distraction, mood and stress control so that they can be applied effectively in competition
Performance Excellence
- Rest effectively before a performance: over-training exhausts your body and tires your mind when you need your maximum mental resources
- Use pre-performance ritualsand on-site psych plans so that you start competing in the best frame of mind
- Keep focus. If you lose focus, apply a refocusing plan to regain concentration
- Learn as much as possible out of your performance, but only analyse after your performance is complete
Keep a training/performance diary to set goals and record performance and mental results.