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Will Charles get out of his head?
Coach E.
May 27, 2024
Quotes of the week
"Pressure can burst a pipe, or pressure can make a diamond." - Robert Horry
"The clutch player isn't always the one who makes the winning shot. It's the one who isn't afraid to take it." - Paul Pierce
Story of The Week
Charles was the star player on his high school basketball team. With his impressive skills, he led them through the regular season with ease. But when it came to crunch time – those critical moments in close games – Charles faltered. Time and again, he missed crucial shots that should have been easy for him.
Frustrated and determined to overcome this mental block, Charles tried everything. He practiced tirelessly, visualized himself in moments, and sought advice from his coaches and teammates. But no matter what he did, the pressure of those clutch moments seemed to weigh him down.
Finally, as the city championship game approached, Charles had a breakthrough. He realized that his fear of failure was holding him back. Instead of focusing on the pressure to perform, he shifted his mindset. He reminded himself of all the hard work he had put in, the countless hours of practice, and the unwavering support of his team.
As the championship game reached its climax, with the score tied and seconds ticking away, the ball found its way into Charles' hands. In that moment, he felt a sense of calm wash over him. He knew what he had to do.
With confidence and determination, Charles took the shot. The ball soared through the air, arcing toward the basket with precision. And as the buzzer sounded, the ball swished through the net, sealing the victory for his team.
His journey from doubt to triumph not only secured the city championship but also taught him a valuable lesson about resilience and perseverance. From that day forward, Charles approached every challenge with the same unwavering confidence, knowing that he had the strength to overcome any obstacle in his path.
Developing confidence in big moments, whether as an athlete or in any aspect of life, is essential for success.
Athletes/Parents/Coaches
Here are some strategies to cultivate confidence:
Preparation: Nothing builds confidence like being well-prepared. Athletes should train rigorously, practicing their skills repeatedly until they become second nature. This preparation instills a sense of readiness for whatever challenges arise during critical moments.
Visualization: Mental rehearsal through visualization can be a powerful tool. Athletes can visualize themselves performing successfully in high-pressure situations, imagining every detail of their performance, from their movements to their emotions. This mental imagery helps build confidence and reduces anxiety.
Positive self-talk: Monitoring and managing internal dialogue is crucial. Athletes should replace self-doubt and negative thoughts with positive affirmations. Reminding oneself of past successes and focusing on strengths can bolster confidence when facing challenging situations.
Focus on the process: Instead of fixating on the outcome, athletes should concentrate on the process of performing to the best of their ability. By focusing on executing each step correctly and staying in the present moment, athletes can alleviate pressure and perform with confidence.
Learn from setbacks: Setbacks and failures are inevitable, but they offer valuable opportunities for growth. Athletes should view setbacks as learning experiences rather than reflections of their abilities. Analyzing mistakes objectively and using them to improve builds resilience and confidence.
Seek support: Surrounding oneself with a supportive network of coaches, teammates, friends, and family can provide encouragement and affirmation. Having people who believe in one's abilities can boost confidence and provide reassurance during challenging times.
Set achievable goals: Setting specific, measurable, and realistic goals provides athletes with clear objectives to work toward. Achieving these goals, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and reinforces confidence in one's abilities.
Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as deep breathing, meditation, and progressive muscle relaxation can help athletes manage stress and anxiety. By staying calm and centered, athletes can approach big moments with greater composure and confidence.
Embrace challenges: Viewing challenges as opportunities for growth rather than threats can shift one's perspective. Embracing challenges allows athletes to step outside their comfort zones, build resilience, and develop confidence in their ability to overcome obstacles.
Celebrate successes: Recognizing and celebrating achievements, no matter how small, reinforces confidence and self-belief. Acknowledging progress and accomplishments builds momentum and motivates athletes to continue striving for excellence.
Stat of the week
Greatest Left-Handed Quarterback of All-Time Steve Young
Besides the 2 NFL- MVP awards, 3 Superbowl Rings and 33,124 career passing yards | 232 career passing touchdowns | 43 career rushing touchdowns ..... did you know?
Hall-of-fame NFL quarterback Steve Young attended Brigham Young University. The college is named after Brigham Young of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who also happens to be the great-great-great-grandfather of Steve Young. The lefty QB is one of Brigham Young’s many descendants. Given that the older Young married 27 times and had 56 children it was probably good odds a family member would eventually be quarterback at BYU.
FYI: For a lefty, Young was 2nd in career passing yards and TDs. Boomer Esiason had him beat with 37,920 career passing yards | 247 career passing touchdowns.
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