Many athletes tell me that they try to be relaxed during competition. 

 

While I understand their goal, I dislike that approach. Relaxed is for the couch, chilling with friends, etc.

 

"Controlled" is a better word to describe the competitive mindset we strive for. 

 

To be an elite athlete, you need to be aggressive and dangerous. Two words that don't go well with being "relaxed".

 

I want my athletes to be emotional, but under control. 

 

When we tell ourselves to relax, what we really mean is get under control. 

 

It’s different terminology but to a player, "relax" means to relax, to drop their emotions.  

 

There is no chance of misunderstanding when it comes to: be emotional, but be under control. 

 

You don’t want to hear “relax” and then start playing at an emotional 4/10.

 

Most players find their best performances when their emotions are under control, but on the edge. Everyone is different but most players compete at their best around a 6 or 7 or 8. 

 

In that range, you’re reading the game quicker, making better decisions, and performing better overall. 

 

Now the downside of being at your edge, is that things can happen during the game that push you over that edge.  

 

In order to be comfortable on your “mental edge” (6-8), you need to have something in your toolbox that you can bring out at any time that will take you back to that ideal number. 

 

You need to bring yourself back to the edge, NOT relax. Your mental tool bag has to have something that brings you back to controlled aggression in five seconds or less.

 

A few ways that we can "get back" include:

 

-Breath: This would be my number 1 recommendation. Taking a conscious breath effectively controls your heart rate and mind, allowing you to lock in on the next play

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-Shift focus to the next play: When adversity hits, it is easy to get caught up in the environment or the previous play. Shift your full focus back to the present moment.

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-Talk to yourself: Tell yourself how you're going to respond. You control your response. Good self-talk can get you back and dialed in for the next play. 

 

Be controlled. Find your edge. Leave relaxing for time away from the field, court, etc