Confidence is a player’s belief in their ability to perform well in any situation, practice or game. Confidence is derived from a baseline assessment of past performances, training, and preparation. As competency or skill mastery grows, your confidence becomes proportionately stronger. In order for players to develop high levels of confidence, they must have a clear understanding of the factors that boost and undermine their confidence, such as high expectations.
Confidence is a core mental game skill because of its importance and relationship to other mental skills. Harvey Dorfman (2005) describes confidence as a mindset based on tangible sources such as one’s past success in sports. Athletes derive confidence from one or more of the following three sources:
1. From practice
2. From what other people say or do
3. From immediate past performance
It is important to mention these sources because in order to enhance confidence athletes have to a clear understanding of their source of confidence. Many athletes believe that confidence comes from past success, playing well or positive experiences in their sport. Confidence also varies depending on the task you are performing. For example baseball players may be very confident in their hitting, but less confident with their defensive play. Doubt, indecision and negative thoughts are the opposite of confidence.
If athletes maintain doubts prior to or during their performance, this indicates low self-confidence. One intervention is by refuting doubts and instilling a positive/confident belief system. Another intervention to enhance confidence is helping athletes developing a confidence resume of all the reasons an athlete as to feel confident. This entails athletes taking control of their confidence level and being proactive with their confidence.
help me get in ‘the zone’
The following link will take you to a page where you can download a free resource on getting in “the zone” I hope this helps!
http://www.sportpsychologytoday.com/sports-psychology-coaching/mental-edge-athletics/
I have a daughter who is very very good at basketball – she works out with a great trainer who pushes her and she responds great . . . at practice. She loves playing and has a goal to play college but when it comes to translating to “game time” she is just on that edge of exploding on the court (she actually has done it once and was phenominal). She is so worried that she is going to make a mistake, and when she makes a mistake she’s worried that she’s let her team down or her coach. I asked if she felt she was under too much pressure and she said no – she’s just psyching herself out. Are there people that she can talk to / work with on getting through this mental block?
Thanks
I will send you an email response with further information. You can find some information about our programs using the link below:
Mike,
I am in the same exact situation as VW. To go a step further, she will get into the game and for lack of a better term, she forgets what she knows how to do. I am not sure where her mind is but from her comments she is so unsure of the perfect next thing to do, she ends up doing nothing. Keep in mind she has been performing at a varsity level since 7th grade and now this year as 9th, she looks like someone invaded her body and stole all of her talent like in the movie Space Jam.
Thx for any direction or guidance here
Encourage her to go back to the basics. She needs to trust her talent and preparation. Athletes tend to over think when they arent focused in the presents moment the “what do I need to do right now to perform successfully.” Feel free to email me with more information and I would be happy to help! Respectfully, Mike
I have read the comments above and they describe my son who is a high school wrestler’s symptoms exactly. Last year my son placed 3rd at the state championships and really went on a good run towards the end of the season but this year he is struggling to find himself. He told me the other day he lost his confidence and as a parent I want to help him.
Anything you can suggest will be greatly appreciated and I realize this is not a short term fix more a daily regime.
Thanks
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