Focus Archives - Page 6 of 8 - ICE Mental Game Coaching

How to Build a Pre-Competition Routine: The Secret to Success in Competition

Do you want to skate your best in competition? Then preparation is essential.

Preparation that starts early, not just two weeks before your event. The beginning of a new season is the perfect time to start.

A common challenge skaters face is to skate their competition programs at least as well as they do in practice.

You might have heard this before: “Practice the way you compete, compete the way you practice.”

So how do you do this?

Find the Right Focus For You

Scene 1 – Wandering attention

Skatergirl is on the ice practicing her combo spin. She wants to improve her technique so that it will be centered and fast.

She skates around the rink to find a spot and does a quick sweep of the ice.

Okay, now to step into the right inside 3 turn, then forward… Hmmm, she wonders where she and her friends are going for lunch? Subway or pizza?

This Skatergirl is distracted.

Your Power to Take Action is Now

You must be present to win. To make any improvements in your skills or in your performance, you need to make change in the here and now.

Here’s why being in the moment is critical for high performance athletes.

When is the best time to make a change?
Right now. Continue reading “Your Power to Take Action is Now”

Competition and Comparisons: How to Manage Your Mind and Emotions

Podcast here.

A skater asks:

How do I manage my mind and emotions when I am being compared to others in a competition?

I want to thank this skater for a great question! This skater is already aware that she can make a change in the way she thinks and feels in a competitive situation that involves being compared to other skaters. Continue reading “Competition and Comparisons: How to Manage Your Mind and Emotions”

Dealing With Mistakes-Learning from Nathan Chen

Listen to audio here.

Many skaters feel they have to be perfect. They are afraid to make mistakes.

Common characteristics of perfectionists, particularly attention to details, and the need (drive) to get things right, make them excellent skaters. Skating is a sport of technique and precision where attention to details can be a benefit. Continue reading “Dealing With Mistakes-Learning from Nathan Chen”

5 Steps to Get Motivated in Figure Skating

Listen to the audio version.

Have you ever lost your momentum and drive? Feel lost and unfocused in practice? Don’t remember why you go to the skating rink every day?

Feeling this loss of motivation can happen for many reasons, but no matter what the reason you can use the steps in this article to pick yourself up again.

Some reasons for loss of motivation: Continue reading “5 Steps to Get Motivated in Figure Skating”