What is the Best Mental Approach to a Playoff Series?
In a best-of-five series, some players focus on winning three games to pull off a series win. While that may be the goal, it may not be the best approach.
When you think of needing to win three games, pressure and anxiety increase.
In this mindset, you are focused too far ahead, which creates unnecessary stress. This mental approach amplifies mistakes and even early losses.
You start worrying that a bad game puts you behind the eight ball, and you see your chances of winning the series dwindle.
When your mindset is to take one game at a time, you minimize stress and distractions. You can better concentrate on the immediate task, your assignment for the game, and the game plan, and you can execute each play to the best of your abilities.
In addition, having a one-game-at-a-time approach prevents overconfidence or despair.
For example, if you’re leading the series, looking too far ahead can lead to complacency. If you’re trailing in the series, it might lead to discouragement.
Staying focused on the current game helps you focus all your attention and effort on playing at your peak, no matter the situation. Ultimately, focusing on the current game allows you to stay calm and avoid feeling overwhelmed by the bigger picture.
How do you ensure that you are locked in on the current game?
You can stay focused by asking yourself three questions:
- What is the game plan?
- What is my role for the game?
- How can I execute my role to the best of my abilities?
This strategy eliminates the “needing to win three games” approach and helps you narrow your focus to winning just one game… the game in front of you.
In Game 1 of the 2024 WNBA semifinals, the New York Liberty beat the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces, 87-77. The Liberty has a one-game-at-a-time approach.
New York forward Breanna Stewart, who finished with 34 points, stated the team has a clear focus… winning the next game.
STEWART: “We continue to fight, and that’s what we need… We’re hungry. We just want to continue to be better. And we know that tonight we got the win, but it (takes) more than one to win a series. We’re going to be ready [for the next game] on Tuesday.”
You can only be on top of your game when fully invested in the present moment. That means whether you win or lose a game in a playoff series, you reset and prepare for the next game.
Maintaining a single-game focus helps your team play collectively at their peak and puts you in the best position to win a playoff series.
One way to ensure you approach a five-game playoff series with a one-game-at-a-time mindset is to remind yourself that you can’t win three games at once.
All you need to do is win one game… three times.
Related Sports Psychology Article
- Mindset Tips for Playoffs
- What’s the Best Mindset for Playoffs?
- Cleveland Cavilers Mindset For Playoffs
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