Excelling Under Pressure
The goal for most athletes is to be able to show up under any circumstances and perform at their best, however, this is the same thing most athletes struggle with. Consistency, especially under pressure, creates a high level of challenge for athletes because of the “un-controllables”. Factors like the competition, the refs, the crowds, the stakes all can contribute to how athletes show up in a competitive environment. This is where the inconsistencies come in and typically, drops in performance and ability. This does not need to be the case though. There are plenty of classic moments in sports we can all think of when everything was on the line and an athlete showed up and showed off. It’s as if the crowd, the stakes, or any of the other “un-controllables” didn’t matter. The athlete was able to perform at their best when it was needed most. As magic as those moments feel, thats nothing more than a strong and resilient mindset at work.
Let’s break down those “magic” moments and what they always have in common. First, the athlete always has a positive perception of the pressure they are under. They realize the stakes of the situation but rather than a threat to their abilities or ego, it is seen as an opportunity to showcase their hard work and capabilities. The pressure becomes a welcomed challenge.
Next, there is a high level of focus on the task at hand. This is the area I see athletes stumble the most and fall to the pressure because of it. As simple and obvious as it seems, in these moments the athlete needs to be fully locked in on the task at hand. Not what is happening around them, not what could happen if they mess up, not how everyone is counting on them, none of the “un-controllables”. In these moments it is vital for the athlete to put full focus on what they need to be doing to be successful. Get specific and get positive, ie. a quarterback might be locked in on his read or a pitcher on their hand placement. The more clear the focus on the task at hand, the better the outcome and the quieter the noise.
Finally, all athletes in those “magic” moments are comfortable with whatever the outcome may be. They put their full effort into whatever they are doing without forcing anything because they know their training is sufficient and will produce the outcome they want, and if it doesn’t, that does not change how they view their capabilities. Trust in their training creates a peace regardless of outcome allowing them to focus further on whats in front of them rather than jumping ahead to what will happen.
Practicing each of these components daily opens doors to more of those “magic” moments and allows athletes to find consistency in high pressured environments.