How Much Time Do You Dedicate to Training for Peak Performance
The previous question is more than how many hours you practice or how often you train on your own.
While physical training is necessary for peak performance, it is not the only contributing factor.
You have probably heard the expression, “work smarter, not harder.” In sports, you must train both hard and smart.
Working harder is pushing yourself to your physical limits in practice and training sessions.
However, working smarter is adding mental training into the mix.
While peak performance requires intense effort, without mental training, peak performance will consistently elude you.
Think briefly about how low confidence, a scattered focus, runaway emotions, or a lack of mental toughness hurt your previous performances.
Mental skills are crucial for peak play…
Confidence lays the foundation for peak performance. Without confidence, you will fall well short of your athletic goals. High confidence allows you to take risks during competitions that stretch your comfort without fearing making mistakes or failing.
A scattered focus can foster negative thoughts, doubts, and ruminating about mistakes earlier in the competition. Conversely, when you have a strong, sustained focus, you will be able to immerse yourself in the competition, speed up your decision-making, and play aggressively and intuitively.
A lack of mental toughness will cause you to back down from challenges and fall short of your athletic potential. When you are mentally tough, you will have a go-for-it mentality without worrying about potential negative outcomes.
Peak performance doesn’t just happen. Consistency is not a matter of luck. And strong mental skills are not genetic.
To be your best, you must prepare and train to be your best mentally and physically…
For example, Las Vegas Aces’ A’ja Wilson, the two-time WNBA MVP, is on track for a third MVP.
During the 2024 WNBA season, Wilson is averaging a league-leading 26.9 points and 2.7 blocks, both career-highs. In addition, Wilson averages 11.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and two steals per game.
Why is Wilson consistently performing at an elite level?
The answer is that Wilson has mentally and physically trained and prepared to perform at her peak consistently.
A’ja Wilson commented on her peak play during the 2024 WNBA season.
“I just see it as I’m doing what I’m supposed to do. I’m doing what I’m prepped myself, what I love to do. If this is historic, and the numbers say it, then great, but at the same time, this is something that I’m built to do,” Wilson said.
Peak performance is not reserved for those who have a physical genetic advantage. Peak performance is available to those willing to do the mental and physical work.
When you focus on preparing and training yourself to play at your peak, the numbers will take care of themselves.
Create a training plan with the physical and mental elements necessary for peak performance. Include mental training, physical training, and technical aspects required for peak play.
In addition, remember that a plan is necessary but not sufficient. You must take action. It’s necessary to decide how to implement your plan and hold yourself accountable to become a peak performer.
Set two objectives for each training session, such as to play aggressively or to work on tactics, to help you improve each day by one percent!
Related Sports Psychology Article
- Focused Training and Mindset Equals Success
- Athletes Who Are Stuck in a Training Mindset
- Mindset Training During Layoffs
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“The Focused Athlete” audio and workbook program helps you or your athletes overcome distractions and sharpen your concentration during competition. You learn how to get locked in during practice and competition so you can improve and perform better.
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