Goal Setting Activity
Keep these three points in mind when you are doing this goal-setting activity for the week: 1. What specifics skills are currently weak? 2. What type of activities/exercises am I prepared to do to correct these weaknesses. 3. How often do I need to work on this weaknesses/how many repetitions will I need to do rectify this weaknesses (to obtain the best results in the shortest time frame) Based upon recent performances (e.g., practices, workouts &... [Read More...]
Goal Setting Considerations
THINGS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION What are the steps for establishing process goals? Decide which aspects of your performance you want to improve or focus on that day and for the week. Set one or two process goals that will help you focus on execution. If you recognize that you are getting ahead of yourself or thinking about results or focused on expectation, refocus on your process goals. Remember, Process goals focus on the small tasks you... [Read More...]
The Process of Effective Goal Setting
At this time of year I often encourage my clients to take some time to sit down and reflect upon what has transpired over the past season. I often encourage my clients during this time to think about their personal development and the goals they wish to accomplish for the upcoming year. I encourage my clients to closely examine the five areas of their performance: 1) Physical; 2) Technical; 3) Tactical; 4) Mental; and 5) Nutrition/Hydration &... [Read More...]
Emotional Mastery/Management
“You first must be in control of yourself before you can control your performance” - Sports Psychologist Kenneth Ravizza At this time of year most of you are preparing for playoffs, Provincial Bantam AAA camps, or attending Junior “A” spring evaluation camps. The biggest difference that separates the goaltenders who perform well in these situations and those who don’t is the mental skill of Composure. What is Composure? According to well-renowned... [Read More...]
Helping Sports Kids Cope with Mistakes – Video Part 3
Frustrated parents and coaches of young athletes contact us everyday about their kids’ inability to handle mistakes or cope with imperfection in sports. As a matter of fact, 43% of sports parents and coaches we surveyed agreed that kids struggle to let go and stay composed after mistakes. For this reason, we have an exciting new Workbook and CD program for parents, coaches, and their young athletes--available at the end of the week.... [Read More...]
Hockey and Your Inner Standards of Success
Being involved in competitive sports allows you to experience success. Every athlete views success differently simply because every athlete has different inner standards for success. Inner Standards are the expectations that you have of yourself and these allow you to decide whether or not you are successful. People-other than yourself-affect your inner standards which may also be different depending on the performance situation. Exercise:”Inner... [Read More...]
Who Are The Hockey Champions You Admire?
For this particular exercise, write the names of five people who you see as champions. These people do not have to be rich or famous, but anyone whom you feel exudes the qualities of a champion. Below each name write down five one-or two-word qualities of the person. For example, describe your mother: passionate, soft-spoken, loving, dedicated, and energetic. Or describe Michael Jordan: focused, confident, effortless, competitive, and passionate.... [Read More...]
Significant Events, Places, and Times
This exercise will help you think about significant events, places and times in your life. For each significant event, place and time in your life answer the questions below. This will help you become more aware of your hockey mental game. Exercise: Significant events, places, and times in your life Identify significant events in your life and any patterns or connections E.g., • When you first became interested in your sport • When you... [Read More...]
What Are Your Strengths as a Player?
What are your strengths as a player? Complete the following sentences honestly. Be sure to complete the sentence stems with the first thought that occurs to you…without censoring. Don’t think too hard about these questions, answer them with the first thought that comes to mind. The purpose is to help you identify both your strengths and unresourceful areas of self-esteem. What I like about myself is …… Sometimes I avoid responsibility... [Read More...]
Hockey Mental Game and Character
Each hockey player has special characteristics. Ask your parents/coaches/teammates to identify special characteristics that they see in you. You could ask them to use the letters of the alphabet to write some positive words that they would use to describe you and your strengths, both as a person and as an athlete. Use these statements to boost your hockey confidence and self-esteem. Exercise: My special characteristics • My Parents see me... [Read More...]