How Well do you Perform in Cold or Rainy Weather?
Most games are not played in optimal weather conditions. In fact, there will be times when you will compete in absolutely nasty weather. Some athletes allow cold temperatures and rain to mentally defeat them.
However, when you learn to master unfavorable weather conditions, you can use those circumstances for a mental advantage. Did you know your performance in unfavorable weather conditions is impacted more by your thoughts than your talent?
Take, for example, a soccer team set to play a team of similar ability in 40-degree temperatures with a slight drizzle. Unfortunately, soccer is played wearing shorts and a light-weight jersey.
When you are on the field, there is no escaping the weather conditions and nowhere to take cover. You are on the field until your coach sends in a sub for you.
Of course, the weather will alter your play. The ground will be wet and slippery, and your muscles will be cold and tight. However, the degree to which the weather affects your game is up to you and your internal conversation.
If your internal conversation is negative, your play will suffer. It is counter-productive to tell yourself, “I am freezing. I hate playing in this weather. I can barely move. This game should have been canceled. I can’t wait until this game is over.”
Imagine if your opponents, who are playing in the same weather conditions, have a different mindset. These players know it is cold and wet and that the field conditions are not optimal.
However, they have a different, performance-enhancing thought process. “I’m going to fight for every ball and focus on the game plan of controlling the ball. I will keep moving to stay warm and look for my opportunities.”
Who has the mental edge in this example? Obviously, the advantage goes to the players who focus on the game plan and look for opportunities to make positive plays.
Negative thoughts impact your performance in three ways:
- Thoughts affect your physiology and movement. When you repeatedly tell yourself that you are freezing, you will increasingly feel cold and stiff.
- Motivation wanes when you continually think about the poor weather conditions. Instead of hustling on the field, you will just want the game to be over.
- Focus will be diverted away from playing the game and looking for opportunities to make productive plays. The fact is that what you tell yourself is what you will focus on, and your focus influences your play.
Prior to Penn State University hosting No. 11-seeded SMU in the first round of the College Football Playoffs, weather was a major topic of discussion. The weather prediction was a low of 15° and wind gusts of 30 miles per hour.
Neither team has played in these conditions this season. PSU defensive tackle Zane Durant views extreme weather as a challenge.
DURANT: “My first cold game, I was struggling, so I kind of got used to it. It’s going to hurt regardless. It’s kind of a mental change you’ve got to get used to. The first time you go into it, you’re not aware of that.”
Penn State defensive end Abdul Carter believes cold weather can give you a mental edge if you put your circumstances in perspective.
CARTER: “For me, personally, it really doesn’t matter. It can be hot or cold, but [they’re] coming into our environment that we’ve pretty much been used to, and they pretty much have not. So it will be an advantage for us.”
Conversely, SMU head coach Rhett Lashlee doesn’t see the cold as an advantage for Penn State.
LASHLEE: “I don’t think the weather’s a big deal. Both teams are playing in the same conditions, whether it’s snow or no snow, whether it’s cold or kind of cold. It is what it is.”
The weather is just a circumstance like any other, such as who, where, and when you are playing a particular game.
The key to success in sports is to master your circumstances instead of allowing your circumstances to beat you.
Take control of your self-talk. Consciously direct your thoughts to motivate you, improve your focus, and help you play your best.
Related Sports Psychology Article
- Mental Toughness in Harsh Weather
- Bad Weather Doesn’t Derail US President’s Cup Team
- Mental Keys to Athletic Excellence
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