Performance Consulting

Unleash Your Mental Game Beast: A Summer Off-Season Guide

- Melinda Urick Leave a comment

Over on Insta, I’ve been asked for some recommendations on how to work on your mental game this summer in the off-season. Sure, the sun is shining, and the water is calling, but that doesn’t mean your mental game can’t catch some much-deserved attention. Gear up!

  1. Find Your Zen Zone: Picture this: You’re hanging ten on your board, flying through the air on your BMX, or soaring above the halfpipe. The key to success? A zen-like state of mind. Take some time this summer to explore different relaxation techniques that resonate with you. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or even knitting (hey, don’t knock it till you’ve tried it), find your bliss and let it wash over you like a gentle wave.
  2. Embrace the Power of Visualization: Close your eyes and imagine your ultimate triumphs on the course, in the ring, or on the track. Visualize every move, every trick, every victory. Become the director of your own mental blockbuster. By visualizing success, you’ll prime your mind and body to make it a reality. Plus, it’s a great excuse to wear a coach’s hat while practicing!
  3. Create Your Mental Soundtrack: Music is the secret weapon that fuels our souls, and the same goes for your mental game. Find tunes that get your blood pumping and put you in the zone. Build a playlist that’s as epic as your biggest tricks. Feel free to belt out your favorite power ballads while pretending to be the star of your own alternative sports movie montage. Trust me, you’ll feel like a champion before you even hit the dirt.
  4. Embrace Failure (Yes, Really!): We’ve all tasted the bitter tang of failure. But guess what? It’s an essential ingredient in the recipe for success. Embrace your falls, crashes, and face-plants with a sense of humor. Laugh in the face of adversity and let it fuel your determination. Remember, the road to becoming a mental game ninja is paved with wipeouts. So, get up, dust yourself off, and show the world what you’re made of.
  5. Seek Out Community: Behind every successful athlete is a support network that knows the importance of laughter, high-fives, and healthy competition. Surround yourself with fellow alternative sport enthusiasts who understand your passion, share your goals, and never hesitate to give you a friendly push (or shove) when you need it most. Remember, birds of a feather ride together.
  6. Keep the Fun Alive: Last but definitely not least, never forget why you fell in love with your sport in the first place. It’s not all about winning medals and topping leaderboards (though those things are pretty sweet). Keep the fun alive by trying new tricks, exploring new terrains, and pushing the limits of what you thought was possible. After all, what’s the point of going big if you’re not having a blast along the way?

Summer doesn’t have to mean an end to training – just a shift in focus, my thrill-seeking comrades. Remember, the real victory is in conquering your fears, embracing your passion, and soaring to new heights—both on and off the playing field. And remember, HAVE FUN.

Catch you on the flip side.

3 Essential Mental Performance Skills for Youth Athletes: A Guide for Parents 

- Melinda Urick Leave a comment

Working with young athletes, I have seen firsthand how important mental skills are for success in sport. While physical ability and technical skills are certainly important, it is often the mental aspect of the game that separates them from their peers. With that in mind, I wanted to share with parents three important mental performance skills that can help their young athletes reach their full potential.

  1. Goal Setting – Setting goals is essential to success in any endeavor, and sports are no exception. However, not all goals are created equal. To be effective, goals must be specific, measurable, and achievable. Encourage your child to set goals that are focused on their performance rather than the outcome of the game. For example, instead of setting a goal to win the game, encourage your child to set a goal to improve their accuracy with their shots or to maintain a faster pace than their last meet.
  2. Positive Self-Talk – The way your child talks to themselves can have a big impact on their performance. Negative self-talk can be defeating and can lead to feelings of anxiety and self-doubt, while positive self-talk can help build confidence and encourage motivation. Remind your young athlete of their strengths and abilities, and by using affirmations such as “I am strong” or “I can do this.” By doing so, they can build a positive mindset that can help them perform at their best.
  3. Mindfulness – By practicing mindfulness, young athletes can develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment, without judgment or distraction. It can help young athletes stay focused and calm, even in high-pressure situations. Encourage your child to practice this by focusing on their breath, and by paying attention to their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. Working up from there, they can eventually try incorporating mindfulness into their pre-game routine by taking a few deep breaths to center themselves.

Mental skills are just as important as physical skills when it comes to sports performance. As a parent, you can help your child develop these important skills such as goal-setting, positive self-talk, and mindfulness. While these three alone are powerful, other skills could be even more beneficial for your young athletes. Discuss with your child how they can practice their mental game, and subsequently experience more success in their sport.