The Zone

Mind of Steel

Getting in the ZONE!

Dr. Christopher Stankovich

www.drstankovich.com

The “Zone” is known by every athlete I have ever worked with – and even though it is sometimes difficult to describe, most athletes will say it’s when you are in complete control, totally absorbed in the moment, and when you feel as though nothing can stop you. Sport Psychologists call the zone being in “flow,” or experiencing the optimal psychological mindset. Being in flow is when you are able to channel all your focus and energy into the only thing that is important – in sports that’s the next play or shot.

Getting in the zone can be a lot easier than most people think, and this month I would like to offer a few thoughts that can help:

• First, getting in the zone requires that you compete against competition that is challenging (or creating challenging practice situations). Studies show that when we compete against competition that is too easy, we often lose our focus or only put out enough effort to win (and don’t really end up getting any better). Conversely, playing against competition that is far superior to you can be counterproductive, too. While it is good to play against better competition, if you regularly play against competition where you have very little chance to win in theory you are likely to become frustrated, pessimistic, and possibly even angry – all things that will not help your game.

• When practicing, be sure to set up challenging situations as much as possible. Keep track of your success rate and you will find that soon enough you will become “locked in” to the task

• Watch your arousal level and learn things that can help you regulate your level. For example, if you are too nervous then you will need to learn a skill or two to reduce your nerves. On the other hand, if you are too flat (or bored) you will need to do something to “pump up” a little so you can get your head in the game. The optimal arousal level – also known as “the zone” – is between being flat and being too nervous.

• Self-talk, or the things you say to yourself, can also help with getting in the zone more frequently. Keep your self-talk always positive and productive and your mind will begin to lock in to your future shots at the table. Positive self-talk also minimizes choking, too!

• Develop pre-game routines that help you center yourself and get prepared for action. I see far too many players not take advantage of their time before matches and tournaments and instead allow the environment to get into their head. Instead, be proactive before tournaments and take time to gather yourself and prepare for the day ahead. Try using imagery to see your success, and work on deep belly breathing to moderate your arousal level. Add some positive self-talk and you will be in the zone before you know it!

Dr. Christopher Stankovich is a nationally acclaimed expert in Sport Psychology and the Founder of Advanced Human Performance Systems. For more information on performance-enhancement products, including the exclusive “Mind of Steel for Pool Success” and the world’s first Sport Performance Assessment for Pool, please visit www.drstankovich.com