Performance Archives - Page 3 of 9

Coaching or Over-coaching in Squash

It is quite common for junior squash players to be coached when participating in tournaments. Whether it takes place before or during the match, coaches provide important and insightful information that can help players make strategic game changes. Sometimes, coaches use their expertise to provide calmness as players feel highly pressured to succeed. Some players also need all the help they can get to regain focus and receive reassurances. I have witnessed coaches who are …

I am nervous or I feel nervous

I often hear athletes expressing the nervousness they experience either prior or during a match as something they own or are. They often say, “I am so nervous.” But, do they own such a feeling or are they just sensing in their bodies such a discomfort? There is a major difference between “I am” vs. “I feel” an emotion. Whenever we express an emotion as something we own, for example “I am”, it will more …

How do you approach learning?

Whether we are athletes or not, we all experience ups and downs wanting achieve our goals. There is not such a thing as making progress in a steady straight line. There will always be happy moments and disappointing moments. If we use disappointing moments as opportunities to learn, then a habit is created. However, if we use disappointing moments to blame others, a habit is equally created. When we listen to successful people, they all …

A Mindful Athlete

Much is being talked about mindfulness and how it helps to improve performance and alleviate stress. Research supports that becoming mindful plays a very important role in staying in the zone, as athletes call it. But, what is being mindful? Mindfulness is no other experience than that of being aware of our present moment. Have you ever slowed down to really taste the pizza or salad you are eating? Have you paid real attention to …

Rio 2016!!! Here we come, ready or not!!!

During the past few days, many countries have already visited the athletic installations and apartment complexes where the athletes will be staying. A great majority of the international inspecting staff has had a very disappointed experience. Just last week, the Australian team did what they called a “stress test,” which meant to open the water from the showers and sink at the same time. To their surprise, the plumbing failed the test. With only a …