Your performance in competition is dependent on doing the right things in training. Here are 5 essential ingredients to consider.

  1. Ambition

Where does your motivation come from? What drives you to get out of bed in the morning in the depths of winter when it’s dark, raining, and a grueling fitness session lies ahead?

Having ambition, however elaborate it may or may not be, will drive you forward. When times are tough, remind yourself why you play, as well as what you’re trying to achieve.

  1. Aspiration

You can seek many things in sport, such as making the team, playing for your country, or winning the championship. But when you’re starting out, or only a few years into your journey, there’s one thing more important than anything else; the aspiration to do better and improve.

So, at the start of every training session or competition, think: what can I do better today than I did yesterday? Have a focus that guides you. Pay attention to the little things. Write notes on your progress.

Always be curious by asking questions of your coach and teachers that will build your knowledge of the game and help you be the best athlete you can be.

  1. Attitude

Your attitude to training will determine what you get out of it. Having a mindset that seeks out new challenges, enjoys working hard, and understands that getting better at something involves making and learning from them mistakes, will ensure you continue to grow as an athlete.

Stepping outside of your comfort zone is hard, but something you must embrace.

  1. Aptitude

Your ability to pick up new skills and abilities is essential to getting better and enjoying your sport.

However, ‘what to learn’, rather than ‘how to learn’ is too often the focus. That’s why spending time improving your learning methods is valuable.

Before you next training consider the following questions to help you pick up new things quicker.

  • What are your trying to learn?
  • What is your key focus?
  • How do you like to receive feedback from your coach?
  • How will you know if you’ve been successful?
  • What can you change next time to do things better?
  1. Attendance

A good performance only happens after you do the work. So if you’re one of those athletes who misses training because it’s raining, or you went out the night before and are tired, then expect to be left behind by your competition.

The athletes who achieve the most are not the most ‘talented’, but the ones who continuously show up.

 

LEAVE A REPLY