How to Stop Choking (Part 1)

A while back, Paul Hoffman wrote a controversial guest post on Asafa Powell is NOT a Choker (a great read).

I wrote an article 2 years ago on 3 Tips on How to Stay Cool & Calm Under Pressure  and how deep breathing can be used to calm and relax you.

Relax and Win by Bud Winter will be re-released next month.

Here’s another resource for you.

This article and video was guest blogged by Craig Sigl, The Mental Toughness Trainer. 

Stop Choking Under Pressure

In this video on YouTube, Craig Sigl, the Mental Toughness Trainer shares with you simple strategies youth athletes can use to stop choking under pressure. So the next time they are heading into a highly stressful, pressure-packed situation, they are mentally ready and prepared for it!

1. They need to practice being in pressure in their imagination, so when they experience it in real life — THEY ARE READY.

Before going to sleep at night or while daydreaming throughout the day, they should imagine being in a high pressure situation and coming through with flying colors. Pre-living in as much detail as possible how they want to be thinking at that critical moment of truth.

Practice using positive self talk like: "I can do this" "I am a clutch player" "I want the ball." Imagine being intense, but not tense! Calm, yet passionate.

2. They need to decide to focus on the physical aspects of the game that make them successful. They do this by filling their mind with the mechanics and execution of the sport and the pleasure they feel playing the game.

This is the reason why they play, right! NOT to think or worry about winning or losing.

Our minds are like a computer can be occupied with what it learned during drills and training, giving it something to do. This distracts it away from the thoughts that create pressure. Keeping the mind busy, stops it from going negative on you.

I created a special "Master the Pressure" guided visualization for your athletes to listen to before their next big game or event and watch their performance skyrocket!

Go to http://www.teenmentaltoughness.com to get the guided visualization and get them started. They can listen to it on their computer, cell phone or iPod, when ever and wherever it works for them!

For you parents, I put together "The 10 Commandments To Be A Great Sports Parent" eBook that gives you answers on how to talk to your kids after a loss and other great tips. You and your athlete will also get a whole lot more mental toughness tips like this, so go to http://www.teenmentaltoughness.com and let’s help your athlete stop choking under pressure!