Distractions in competition are just a fact in sports. The bigger the event, the more likely you or your athletes can become distracted. Distractions can come in many ways and forms–from subtle to not so subtle. You must learn how to cope with distractions during practice and competition to improve and perform your best.
After watching a post-game interview on ESPN, I realize that coaches are very familiar with the problems caused by distractions. Some coaches would go as far as to say that distractions are the primary reason for failure or losing….
After the Tennessee Titans lost its fourth game in a row last weekend, coach Jeff Fisher said that his team has to deal better with distractions. “The number one reason for failure in football is distractions,” coach Fisher said after the game. “People have to step up, we have to do more.”
I would argue that distractions are NOT the number one reason for a team’s failure–it’s actually the team’s inability to cope with distractions. More on this later…
I talk about two types of distractions with my students: (1) Internal distractions, and (2) External distractions. The most common distraction, by far, for athletes are internal distractions. These are usually self-induced and enter the mind in the form of dwelling on the past, doubt, indecision, lack of confidence or negative thoughts about your performance. Your own experiences, thoughts and beliefs, not the environment, usually trigger internal distractions.
But when you have self-doubt, I consider this to be far more damaging than a simple distraction.
External distractions usually begin in the environment. Something or someone else triggers the distraction. Examples include hecklers in the stands, a change in the weather, or a fan who runs onto the field during a ball game.