Being overly focused on the outcomes of a performance is one of the main reasons a player can experience excessive anxiety in the build up to a game. Anxiety is required to play to your potential but it can impede performance when it becomes excessive.
Outcomes in sport are the areas we do not have complete control (scoring, winning, turnovers, not conceding etc.) Players will always think about outcomes but having all your focus in this area is detrimental to performance.
Focusing on the fundamentals of your performance can help to improve confidence, concentration and performance anxiety. This is because, regardless of the opposition, weather, crowd, pitch or other variables the fundamentals are completely within your own control.
Examples:
➢ Being relentless in every challenge
➢ Constantly look for the ball
➢ Intense work-rate
➢ Keeping my focus in the present moment
➢ Always on my toes
➢ Head up, find space
Setting your game day goals as part of your preparation:
Start by thinking about when you are playing at your best, what does it look like?
What would others notice or say about your performance when playing at your best?
Players should focus on a maximum of three fundamentals, typically two of those are related to the responsibilities within your role and one can focus on a mental aspect of performance
Below is an example of the fundamentals set by a half-forward in Gaelic Football:
1) Non-stop movement.
2) Brave with the ball – Take players on.
3) Talk to myself confidently at all times.
To summarise it simply, you can’t force a great performance but focusing on the fundamentals of How You Perform Best can provide a sense of control and composure for the more pressurised moments.
Outcome Focused ➡️ Less Likely to Achieve Desired Outcomes
Process/Fundamentals Focused ➡️ More likely to Achieve Desired Outcomes
A big thanks to Conor Quinlan for this piece. Conor is an Accredited Psychotherapist and Sport Psychology Coach with Rebel Óg GAA (Cork academy)
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