Is the player serious about making it through the junior levels and to play college hockey?
Every player should be trying each practice to improve their mental game. Doing so will also positively impact on-ice play and development.
1. Set Attainable Goals
Setting goals does not mean picking a task out of thin air. It requires deep thought to define both long and short-term goals that are realistic, measurable and have a set achievement date. Be aware of the current level of performance, know what specific goals to set that address your weaknesses, and have a detailed plan to reach that goal. Try formally writing down goals, it can help give a visual reminder of what is the plan to achieve.
2. Commit to Hockey
Do not just be physically committed to hockey, but mentally committed as well. Think about the sport outside of just games and practice. An elite prospect gives their sport utmost importance, which translates into determination and commitment for achieving the player’s goals.
3. Be Confident
Players that have high self-confidence choose to have and maintain a positive attitude. Spend time developing skills on a set goal and be confident that the expected outcome can be achieved. If the goal is not met, the high self-confidence will help come to a realistic explanation as to why. Take that reason and refuse to let it affect the level of confidence in a dramatic way.
4. Concentrate
Acknowledge that concentration is a key factor in being the best you can be. Focus on maintaining concentration in both practice and competition, and avoid internal and external distractions. If concentration is broken, regain focus on the “here are now” rather than past or future events.
5. Maintain Composure
This skill is all about maintaining physical and mental control. This is particularly helpful in moments of stress and anxiety. Recognize the emotions and use them to improve overall performance.
6. Cope with Tough Situations
Do not simply maintain composure in trying situations, cope with them as well. Handling unexpected events in a positive manner is vital to success. A poor performance, injury, or other unforeseen circumstances can hinder the mindset and get in the way of reaching goals. Maintain a positive attitude and outlook on any situation.
7. View Challenges as Opportunities
Prospects should view a challenge as an opportunity, rather than a setback. Actively seek them out, and cope with problems along the way. Do not perceive challenges as problems or threats, this will not allow room for improvement.
8. Visualize
Visualization is a valuable technique of using one’s imagination to think positively about upcoming events. Try imagining outcomes on the ice and think about exactly what to do in that situation. Visualizing yourself in action will prepare for the real deal.
9. Relax
Staying calm is not always easy to do, especially at the higher levels of play where there are a lot of high stress situations. Practice relaxation techniques to help regain a clear head and allow you to think rationally under competitive stress. Visualization and breathing exercises all can be effective relaxation tools.
10. Deal Effectively with Others
In order to succeed, players have to be aware of the fact that they are just a small part of a larger community. Teammates, coaches and even parents all play a role in success. The ability to effectively communicate thoughts, feelings, and emotions while dealing with conflicts is all part of the package of total athletic success.
Stephen Heisler 