Let's face it - at a certain level of skill and on court ability, the main thing that separates those that win and others is mental toughness.
Their are many methods of mental training available, and, all are beneficial for those that truly apply themselves.
Performance & Body Optimization offers tools for the players and coaches that help to continually keep us in the "zone". Simple, easy to remember, and actually funny. The humour helps keep things fun which helps us retain the changes possible.
The "zone" itself actually appears to be a space we can continue to generate for ourselves and others. One way to do this is to change every conclusion we have about our game to a question. This allows for change. If I have decided that my backhand sucks - it will suck. If instead I can remember to ask something like "wow, how does it get better than that?" and truly wonder, then things become easier.
It's like building a muscle, you have to work it for it to get stronger. These methods are the same in that respect. Repetition and vigilance are keys for more strength.
This is not a specific sports psychology modality - it is a method of applied consciousness designed to increase the athletes awareness and abilities to be more aware of everything in the midst of a match and to minimize emotional distractions. One of the byproducts of this seems to be the body itself does not have to work as hard to perform to the same high level. This we call "elegance" -
getting the most result with the least effort required.
Does this sound like something you would like to add to your game? To your toolbox of tricks to offer to your students?
Contact me. I can facilitate the process with ease for the teaching pro or the student. High level, elite athletes welcome...
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Performance & Body Optimization
So, thanks for asking for more information about this revolutionary approach to changing how the body responds to external stresses.
What is the pain you have from playing? Physical, mental, emotional?
Like it to go away? Tennis – Golf – What else?
- Does your body limit your performance by injury & breaking down?
- Are you ready to function from elegance instead of effort & trying?
- Would you like to play without stress, upset & negative thoughts?
- Would you change your POV allowing you to play better & have more fun?
- Would you like to be truly mindless when playing – and what is that?
Performance & Body Optimization tools and techniques have been developed to assist us in changing the ways we think and function. Applied to bodies, these tools help speed recovery and restore optimal function…with total ease. How does it get better than that?
Check back soon and often, as this site will be updated with posts that will include what this all looks like and sounds like.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Depression & Athletic Injuries
Unfortunately, depression among athletes goes underreported due to the fear of being perceived as “weak”. Athletes are taught to be tough and strong, therefore depression is not something that many want to face.
Since research has indicated that there is a strong correlation between injury and mental illnesses such as depression, it is imperative that athletes seek therapuetic interventions to assist them with their recovery.
“A 2001 study … found that 96 percent of coaches and 97
percent of athletes said mental health is extremely important
to overall performance. That’s good news. However, 85 percent
of coaches said their athletes come to talk to them about mental
health, though only 68 percent of the athletes said they could
go to their coach about such issues”
(http://www.psychologyofsports.com).
Unfortunately, athletes who experience symptoms of depression are reluctant to seek help, due to the perception that depression carries a cloak of shame. Athletes are taught to be tough and by admitting to a psychological or emotional problem, an individual’s confidence is threatened. Athletes are trained by their coaches to ‘play through the pain and struggle through adverse problems on their own without letting anyone see them cry.
So where am I going with all this? What’s my point, you might be asking? I went through my own very challenging version of athletic depression, and, found some amazing tools and techniques to help myself and others. Help get us out of the depression that can come from a total life change due to an injury. Out of my injury and recovery, “Performance & Body Optimization” was born.
Since research has indicated that there is a strong correlation between injury and mental illnesses such as depression, it is imperative that athletes seek therapuetic interventions to assist them with their recovery.
“A 2001 study … found that 96 percent of coaches and 97
percent of athletes said mental health is extremely important
to overall performance. That’s good news. However, 85 percent
of coaches said their athletes come to talk to them about mental
health, though only 68 percent of the athletes said they could
go to their coach about such issues”
(http://www.psychologyofsports.com).
Unfortunately, athletes who experience symptoms of depression are reluctant to seek help, due to the perception that depression carries a cloak of shame. Athletes are taught to be tough and by admitting to a psychological or emotional problem, an individual’s confidence is threatened. Athletes are trained by their coaches to ‘play through the pain and struggle through adverse problems on their own without letting anyone see them cry.
So where am I going with all this? What’s my point, you might be asking? I went through my own very challenging version of athletic depression, and, found some amazing tools and techniques to help myself and others. Help get us out of the depression that can come from a total life change due to an injury. Out of my injury and recovery, “Performance & Body Optimization” was born.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
