Coaching Mind's Podcast: Perform at your best! #120 - Focus Cycle Pt 2: What if I'm having trouble focusing on what I choose?
Sep 10, 2024
Explore the challenges athletes face when trying to implement the Focus Cycle during competitions. Discover practical strategies to enhance mental performance, including adjusting focus cues and practicing distraction drills. Learn about managing competing thoughts and the power of journaling to offload worries. Coaches will find valuable insights on delivering ongoing support and maintaining accountability. It's all about training the mind to excel under pressure!
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State Championship That Sparked The Focus Cycle
- Ben Carnes describes a 2013 state championship where athletes lost physical and mental control during big moments.
- That experience led him to develop the Focus Cycle framework and teach it widely to teams and individuals.
Check If They Focused On The Exact Cue
- Ask athletes if they actually focused on the exact cue written on their plan, like 'next shot' or 'next play.'
- Practice reminding and rehearsing the cue in practice, on your hand, or via visualization to make it automatic.
Redo The Focus Cycle When It Wasn't Taken Seriously
- If athletes didn't take the Focus Cycle seriously, re-run the exercise and collaboratively fill in controllables and non-controllables.
- Update the big moment and replay the process so the athlete has a concrete, context-specific plan.