The game happens so quickly that we have to react to situations instead of having the time to take a step back, evaluate the data and then decide on action. It’s a game of training and preparation, like being taught to pivot both ways so you can always turn towards the play, there are tools and strategies we learn that allow us to instantly react in these high pace situations.

Physically, we learn these talents, and through practice turn them into habits. The more efficient the habit, the more effective the player. Well, the same goes for the mental part of the game. If we’re taught to yell and scream and throw water bottles at referees (because that’s what the coach does) we learn that getting upset when things don’t go our way is acceptable.

This type of behaviour, over time, becomes habit…and it becomes our reactive response.

The problem of course, is that reacting in such a negative way to situations detracts from our ability to perform at our best in stress filled situations.

The good news is, you can learn new mental habits, change your behaviours and consequentially change your results. By implementing a habit of focusing on what next great thing is about to happen, instead of seeing a bad call from the ref possibly ruining the game, you begin to look towards the better feeling place, and stay out of the drama of the negative. In doing so, like automatically turning toward the play you’ll create new mental habits which allow you to instantly focus on what’s next, and what you have control over now.