Preparing for a Game:
Volleyball is a rebound sport, so maintaining control of the ball can prove to be challenging at times, and can really destroy your confidence. The sport also is based on mistakes rewarding the opposing team after shanks and mis serves, unlike basketball where points are based on getting a basket and completing a shot. Because of the nature of the sport, making sure players have the right mindset before a game is crucial. Players need to be focused, set a goal for themselves and limit distractions.
Pre-Match:
Get excited for the game
Use imagery to visualize important motions and correct technique
Go through pre game routines, (brushing teeth!)
Stay focused and remove distractions
During Match:
Focus on what you can do and stay positive with yourself and teammates
After a mistake, analyze what went wrong and how to fix it quickly
Use positive reminders that maintain confidence and motivation
Push yourself to reach the "zone" or Peak Performance
Post Performance:
Look at what went right in the game, and what could be improved on
Set new goals to push yourself and motivate you during practice
Pre-Match:
Get excited for the game
Use imagery to visualize important motions and correct technique
Go through pre game routines, (brushing teeth!)
Stay focused and remove distractions
During Match:
Focus on what you can do and stay positive with yourself and teammates
After a mistake, analyze what went wrong and how to fix it quickly
Use positive reminders that maintain confidence and motivation
Push yourself to reach the "zone" or Peak Performance
Post Performance:
Look at what went right in the game, and what could be improved on
Set new goals to push yourself and motivate you during practice
The Importance of Self-Talk and Perspective
In order to increase an athlete's mental fitness, self-talk is a very important routine to go through. By talking to yourself, you are maintaining perspective, should be reinforcing a positive attitude and mindset, taking the time to reflect and clearing up your mind.
Another great way to maintain focus is to stay in touch with your emotions and understanding how that affects your game. Some players need to be happy to play, while others see positive results when angry. Understanding this is particularly important in beach volleyball, as it is just you and your partner, and no substitutions, meaning that a mental breakdown could ruin the outcome of the match. Also, in beach volleyball, you have to be extremely tough mentally to limit all distractions such as the weather and factors outside of your control such as the temperature of the sand, gusts of wind.. etc.
Another great way to maintain focus is to stay in touch with your emotions and understanding how that affects your game. Some players need to be happy to play, while others see positive results when angry. Understanding this is particularly important in beach volleyball, as it is just you and your partner, and no substitutions, meaning that a mental breakdown could ruin the outcome of the match. Also, in beach volleyball, you have to be extremely tough mentally to limit all distractions such as the weather and factors outside of your control such as the temperature of the sand, gusts of wind.. etc.
How to Deal with Coaches
As a player, it is important to understand what makes you "tick" and how mental aspects affect your performance. It is also essential to know the same about your coaches. When you understand the expectations of your coach, team mates and what role you play on your team, the easier it is to reach peak performance and uprightness of virtue. The uprightness of virtue refers to the spiritual equilibrium achieved when mental and physical states are at a balance and you are playing in both dimensions. This also allows for peak performance and goals are easily achieved in this state.