| Hockey experts agree that 80% of hockey | | | | Confidence |
| performance is mental and 20% is physical. We often | | | | In order for players to be confident, they have to |
| focus all of our efforts towards building the physical | | | | believe in their ability to perform on the ice and |
| side of the game, instead of taking the time to develop | | | | contribute positively to the team. Players and coaches |
| the mental game. And it is this lack of attention to the | | | | to work together to identify the athlete's strengths, |
| mental game that is preventing so many teams and | | | | define their role on the team and set realistic |
| players from taking their performance to the next level. | | | | expectations for performance. But, most importantly, |
| Figuring out how to improve the mental side of the | | | | players must realize that they are largely responsible |
| game presents a huge challenge to coaches, parents | | | | for their own confidence. When we constantly look to |
| and players alike. To ensure that you and your players | | | | others to boost our confidence, we become reliant on |
| are 100% prepared for every game and the team can | | | | them instead on ourselves. By helping players take |
| perform its best, you need to have mental | | | | control of their own confidence, we empower them to |
| performance strategies in place at the start of the | | | | be their best both on and off the ice. |
| season. | | | | Composure |
| The ability to stay focused, confident and composed | | | | It is great to be focused and confident going into the |
| are 3 critical skills that must be taught by coaches and | | | | game - but how do you react when things go wrong? |
| put into practice by players. | | | | Hockey is a game of mistakes and it is those teams |
| Focus | | | | and players who recover quickly that are going to |
| Hockey players must learn to focus only on the things | | | | excel. Players have to develop the ability to be able to |
| that are under their own control. | | | | recognize that they made the mistake, regroup quickly |
| While it is impossible to control the actions of everyone | | | | and refocus on the task at hand. The ability to regain |
| else in the rink, you always have complete control over | | | | your composure quickly is what separates the "great" |
| your thoughts and your actions. Learning how to focus | | | | teams and players from the "good" ones. |
| on your own performance, while maintaining a positive | | | | Having strategies in place to develop these three skills |
| attitude and tireless work ethic, will positively influence | | | | will take your mental game to the next level and help |
| your whole game and help you take your game to the | | | | you on your way to having your best season ever. |
| next level. | | | | |