The composition of an elite athlete is both complex and unique. Each athlete must posses certain physical and mental attributes, based upon what is required of them during competition. Often, the composition of an athlete can be referred to as that of an “Iceberg”. This is to say – there is more to the athlete than what the eye can see.
For many, the mere image of an elite athlete is that of physical image and ability. Often, the athlete is merely that which we see. This is to say – he/she is; big, strong, fast, agile, and extraordinary in his/her abilities to perform. Often these elements are those that attain the most acknowledgement and awareness. But one of the main elements that is often over seen, yet is arguably the most important composition of an elite athlete, is the ability to perform at the best one’s of their abilities during times of extreme pressure on a consistent basis.
To understand elite performance – is to understand the ability to perform. With this, one must know and understand that ability to perform refers to performance under extreme pressure. Often, athletes may refer to their abilities to perform in an intense environment while training or practicing. But to truly understand “performance pressure” one must understand the extreme difference between being in “great practice form” and “being able to perform great under extreme pressure”. To understand this more, here is an example – one can practice everyday, with elite athletes, while also maintaining an elite level of professional training in one’s daily regimen yet not be able to perform to nearly of their fullest abilities during competition time. No matter how much one trains – they must be able to perform on game day. It is for this reason that so many athletes become frustrated and confused.
How does one prepare for such an experience? Simple … meet the task “head on” and prepare for pressure.
How do we start? Firstly, one must understand and accept that pressure is part of competition and sport. Pressure is always an element in our presence – some are merely more comfortable in meeting, greeting, and dealing with it. Think of pressure as your first day at a new school. You know that their will be a feeling of discomfort – until you are able to make a friend or two, but you also know that you have many commonalities of those around you, and you also know how you want each day to end – as does everyone else. Before you know it – going to your new job/school will merely be like any other day. The same goes for dealing with pressure. Each game and/competition will provide new and exciting challenges. Once you notice and embrace their similarities you will begin to develop an inner confidence for dealing with any challenges or pressure situations that may come your way. Soon your repertoire of devices for dealing with these elements of pressure will out weigh the pressure itself.
What makes the elite athlete’s pressure situation different? One of the main individual elements that differentiates elite athletes from others, is that they are able to consistently focus on each game as if it is the only one that matters. Elite athletes are good a compartmentalizing pressure situations. This is to say –“tomorrow’s game does not exist”. Today’s game is the one that truly matters. Being able to apply this mind-set and thought process again and again is what develops consistency. This is the internal road map that elite athletes drive themselves with. The key in developing this ability to compartmentalized pressure is to understand that one (the player/coach) should not be adding more pressure into the situation than that which already exists. For example – one should not be training for pressure by thinking “there is no tomorrow” … rather … we should be thinking/training as if “today’s game is the only one we’re playing in” … the difference is one is preparing to deal with the pressure of today … not the pressure of today PLUS the pressure of maybe no tomorrow PLUS all the piles of pressure that come with either result.
How to understand and train for pressure situations – it is important to realize the underlying key to competing during pressure situations. The key is this – all that any elite athlete does is merely compete well/normal with under extreme situations. This is not to say one must perform extraordinary/ better that normal while under this pressure situation all one must do is simply perform well as he/she would normally do within the moment. Elite athletes are able to focus on the moment when they train. They do not focus on anything else but the task at hand. In doing such, they are able to close out all distractions while merely focusing on the task at hand , during moment (i.e. I just need to make this shot …. NOT … if I miss this shot we’ll lose the championship and everyone will boo me …).
How do elite athletes differ in their concentration? Elite athletes focus primarily on their job and the task at hand. They do not focus on anything else but their job not the situation. By doing such elite athletes are able to feel more comfort and control with pressure situations rather than allowing the situation to take control of them. All they need to do is just perform normally – now, or perform normally –today.
Performance and poise – to understand poise it to understand the ability one has to implement a sense of control over the situation. This is to say – it’s time to focus on my job at hand. A great example of this can be seen in the move For the Love of Game. During each major game, the pitcher implements the ability to block-out all of the surrounding distractions around him and focus on the task at hand – one pitch at a time. This element of implementing poise can be practiced and trained.
By better understanding the elements of pressure – athletes can learn how to train properly and more efficiently so as to better prepare themselves for the competitive environment they are going to face. How one prepares will determine how one will compete during times of pressure.
Dr. Galea is a Sports Psychology expert. For further information on Sport Performance Psychology – contact Dr. Jason Galea at dr.galea@me.com or at 858.449.1481
