Lacrosse coaches and players understand that the mental/psychological aspects of sport are very important, yet, little or no attention is systematically applied in this area. Having a mental edge through the use of mental and psychological strategies, often helps athletes to reach their full potential. Lacrosse players would be wise to also work on the mental part of their game.
Lacrosse is an exciting sport that is growing at a rapid pace. Camps, clinics, and one-on-one training opportunities are available to lacrosse players that usually include detailed instruction of skills, techniques, and strategies. I have found that when I go out to work with teams and speak at camps and clinics, the lacrosse world has been very open to the importance of information and strategies dealing with the mental aspects of the game. Coaches and players alike are interested in improving their results and performance. Players especially, are now demanding to know more about some of the applied sport psychology techniques, so they can bring them into their game. It is very important to prepare the athlete's mind, along with his/her body. Mental abilities often separate the peak performer from the average one.
The mind is a powerful resource, but, athletes are often not familiar with some simple mental techniques that can improve their skills, increase the enjoyment of the game, and be applied to all aspects of their life. Mental training techniques can benefit not only the Professional and Olympic athlete, but, athletes of all levels and across all sport situations. Making this information and techniques understandable and available to all sport participants, especially, our youth is long overdue! This was my motivation to develop Mental Edge - Peak Performance Education. Most of my work has been in the Lacrosse arena, and I have gained a great deal of satisfaction knowing that I am providing a needed and valuable educational service to athletes and coaches.
Lacrosse players and coaches can learn more about my professional services, credentials, background, and more importantly - see what coaches, players, and camp directors have said about my Mental Edge Program, by viewing my web site.
Mental Edge Tips for the Serious Lacrosse Player
Successful athletes are willing to prepare themselves mentally, as well as physically. Mental Practice or Visualization is one of the many techniques that can be included in your game. Mental practice involves creating images or pictures in your mind. Mentally rehearsing a skill in your mind, helps prepare your body to actually physically perform the skill. Other benefits include error correction, seeing the field, individual and team strategy, preparing for upcoming competition, and reliving best past performances. A summary of some important tips follow:
* See a proper example of a well-executed skill. Watch and learn from the best!
* Repeat the skill as often as possible. Reps! Reps! Reps!
* Prepare for mental practice by getting relaxed. Deep breathing will help in a quiet area.
* See yourself doing the skill(s). Bring in as many senses and emotions as possible.
* Slow down (slow motion) the image, and then bring it up to game speed.
* Repeat the "instant replay" over and over. You may begin with 1 minute segments and increase to 10 minutes over time.
* Mini mental practice clips can be created during practices and games.
* Include imagery to visualize yourself pushing through fatigue during practices and games.
* Create as many game conditions as possible in your images - field, colors, sounds, opponents, crowd, etc.
* Include mental practice at home, prior to, and during practices and games.
By mentally rehearsing skills and game situations, players will be mentally prepared for the actual challenges of the game. And remember, mental skills, such as visualization, are like physical skills, since they require regular practice to become and remain effective.
Specific Lacrosse Suggestions:
Lacrosse players can use mental practice and visualization for:
* Learning new skills, such as dodging, catching, throwing, scooping, and defending.
* Running offensive and defensive systems. It is important to create vivid images of yourself actually in the various situations, just as if you were actually there doing the movements, etc. Don't see X's and O's moving around the field.
* Face-Offs: players can see themselves being successful at their face-off arsenal, and see themselves successfully countering their opponent's moves.
* Dodging, and seeing the field when slides are coming.
* Shooting: feel yourself shooting, forces, sounds, etc. in your images. Stick it where you want!
* Players can also visualize remaining calm and focused when bad calls are made, leads are lost, and personal errors are made during play.
* Lacrosse players can also focus on successful past performances to increase self-confidence and lower anxiety, stress, and self-doubt.
Stephen R. Covey, Author, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, summarizes the effectiveness and importance of visualization in the following quote:
"Almost ALL of the world-class athletes and other peak performers are visualizers. They see it; they feel it; they experience it before they actually do it. They begin with the end in mind. You can do this in every area of your life."
Good luck in the Great Game of Lacrosse, and with the visualization techniques summarized above. Remember to work on the mental part of your game as well as the physical.
|
