Being A Confident Athlete Essay

709 Words3 Pages

If I ask you to imagine a confident athlete, how would you describe that person? Most of you would probably use descriptions such as: head held high, open attitude, safe walk, courageous, says that he or she can play well, successfully overcomes stress, controlling negative emotions... This is more-less accurate description, but what is important feature of a confident athlete that can not be seen from the 'outside ' is belief that he/she can play well regardless of external circumstances. Studies of top athletes show that a high level of confidence and the capacity to sustain that confidence in time is their common characteristic which helps in achieving superior results. However, the challenge is to find a way how to develop that form of mental advantage in athletes. Although some of you may think the opposite, however, top athletes feel the tension and react to the pressure before the competition, but preform well. Being confident does not mean not having negative thoughts and negative feelings. In contrast, confidently athlete/sportsperson believes in their abilities, believes that he can do well in spite of their doubts or anxiety. What is not at all an easy task! The optimum level of confidence (ie not too low, but …show more content…

For example, a tennis player who has made a dual service fault, when next time he serve after the fault will think "Here comes the other! (Fault) ", instead of eg. "It 's going good!". Top athlete thinks confident, looks confident and acts confident. If you go wrong, look at it as a challenge. Like a good actor, play a role of winner - head up, shoulders back, relaxed and sure in the positive outcome, tell yourself "I 'm not giving up! Things will turn in my favor - I can do it!". Positive thoughts inspire positive emotions. How we think, so we feel, and act. Instead of worrying about what you can not, learn to focus on what you

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