Mental Game 101

You’ve all heard about how kids—and adults—get into a “flow” state while playing sports. But what is it and how do you help your kids experience it? Athletes describe a “flow” state or “being in the zone” with these words: in the bubble, in the here and now, totally absorbed, immersed and flowing. Great athletes are able to “get in the zone” It’s all about focusing on the process—which is easy to talk about, but takes some practice. When kids focus too much on the score or win, it’s hard for them to get in the zone. Results-oriented thinking makes it hard for kids to focus on the process. One great way to help kids focus on the process is to establish small goals or objectives. Here’s how you do it:

• Decide which aspects of their performance the athletes want to improve or concentrate on while playing.

• Set one or two objectives to help athletes focus on “being in the moment”

• When athletes find that they’re focusing on the score or win, remind them to focus on process, not outcome.

Such goals may include: hit 10 fairways during the round of golf, or in football, commit to the play or mentally rehearse the play.