not in the zone

Question
i have a history of playing really well in games but not as well in practice, my coach is unsure to start me or not because im not as good in practice, how can i perform in practice the way i do in a game?

Answer
Hello Steve

I've worked with a number of players who have had similar situations - they do great in games but not as well in practice.  The key here is to realize that you have a gift, you have the ability to perform under pressure in games.  

But practice doesn't have the same pressure as a game, it doesn't really count.  So, the solution is to make practice count.  There are a number of ways to do this, and they all involve you using your imagination.  Examples include:

- imagine that people you REALLY want to impress are watching from where you can't see them
- imagine that the practices are filmed and posted on YouTube or televised on ESPN
- set goals for practice and have a reward you ONLY get if you meet them
- imagine that each practice is secretly the most important game you'll ever play

We use our imagination all of the time to help motivate us to do thing, now is the time to use it on purpose.  I've used this type of mental training with athletes in a variety of sports - IT WORKS!

Good luck and let me know how it goes.

David

David Kenward, The Mental Coach
Sacramento, California
http://www.thementalcoach.com
Win the Mental Game: Perform better under pressure in any sport
Private sessions / Group seminars