Olympian Q & A
Dear Joe,.When I am warming up before a tournament, what are some mental warm up strategies I could use to get ready?
Alexis Keating a 12 year old junior competitive player.
Joe:Alexis it is neat to know you already understand the importance of mental and physical preparation prior to competing. Nearly all people have a bit of performance anxiety before they play even those that just play for fun. The reasons are many including a very poor understanding of how to effectively practice, but one of the most important and subject of my answer to you is that we tend to play for others and worry about what others think. These subconscious thoughts produce negative hormones in our body and the end result of that is tension, anxiety, doubt and fear. We want and hope to do well, maybe not embarrass ourselves, family or friends.
Pretty sad really considering that this is just a game and it is supposed to be fun regardless of the level we play at. My tips for you and for all our readers is to first realize these thoughts and then do something about it in your warm-ups and smart practice.
First in stretching move smoothly with soft rhythm in all movements taking deep soft cleansing breaths between stretches. Mentally focus on something you appreciate in life that seems to give to a feeling of peace, appreciation, and enjoyment. Start focusing on these breaths you take until they are quite even and smooth. After stretching warm up the body by swinging the club doing the same thing, focusing on anything other then mechanics, such as rhythm, balance, and or visuals of positive shots your about to hit. It is almost a matter of slow motion in these rehearsal swings while at the same time focusing on things that bring positive pictures to your mind.
In addition do a little standing quiet breathing exercise that slows everything down while you focus on something you appreciate. These little techniques have been proven to set the tempo for the day and result in some very positive outcomes. This soft breathing can even be incorporated in your play while walking or even as part of your pre-shot routine. Alexis, always, always remember it is just a game that we all are priviledged to play and is so much fun when we look at it as just that. The great game it is….
Joe