I was recently interviewed for an article in Professional Skaters Association magazine about how coaches can help skaters take their best into competition.
One of the most important things we talked about is why skaters can skate beautifully in practice, but bomb in competition.
The reason is that there are two different mindsets: The practice mindset and the competition mindset.
The practice mindset is one that focuses on practicing to improve for the next day. Thinking, analyzing and adjusting is essential in this mindset. Skaters spend at least 90% of their time here.
The competition mindset is one that allows the skater to show what they know how to do. Doing what you know, motor memory, and knowing is essential in this mindset.
Since skaters have only a few competition a year, they spend probably less than 10% in the competition mindset.
Contrast that with baseball of hockey players who spend more time playing games or scrimmaging (in the competition mindset) than they do in drills and exercises (practice mindset).
Figure skaters are more familiar with the practice mindset and have difficulty being in the competition mindset, so they have to create opportunities to practice the competition mindset.
Steps to start:
- Know what it feels like to be in the competition mindset versus the practice mindset.
- Trust your motor (muscle) memory.
- Simplify any cues going into your elements.
- Take it one element at a time
Create opportunities to practice being in the competition mindset by participating in simulations and exhibitions. When you do you program run-throughs on your own in practice, use your competition mindset. Do this more frequently as you get closer to competition.
Changing your mindset is a process. It requires constant attention and practice just like your skating.
Work on your mental game to build the tools you need to excel in your sport and in life.
Imagine what it would be like if you knew you could turn out your best performance every competition? Start your journey to worry free competition. Download “Confidence Myth Busters,” a complimentary eBook for a jump start!