The pressure to perform is immensely high in today‘s modern world. Whether that is professional sports to a junior tournament, there will almost always be someone in your life giving you stress and pressure during your match, game, etc.

To achieve a placid mindset to ensure security during tense moments, gaining a sense of mental awareness is essential. Being fully present and aware of the current moment can be transformative for athletes seeking to enhance their performance and well-being.

Mental focus helps athletes find calm by teaching them to manage distractions and tune into their bodies and emotions.

As competition increases, thoughts can become clouded and start to spiral in the hardest of times. Developing the ability to notice these thoughts without judgment and refocus on the task at hand leads to improved concentration and a positive mindset.

An important technique to help with focus on the field or court is breath awareness. By concentrating on their breath, athletes can ground themselves, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. For instance, during high-pressure moments, such as a crucial penalty kick in soccer or a final shot in basketball, taking a few deep breaths can help clear the mind and enhance focus.

Real life examples include basketball stars Kobe Bryant and LeBron James who have shared important insights into why they think mental training is so impactful for their game. They note that visualization and meditation helps calm their nerves and maintain composure during games. They credit these practices as a main portion of why they are the greatest humans to touch a basketball.

Another technique is body scanning, which involves mentally checking in with various body parts to notice any tension or discomfort.

This practice helps athletes in two important ways. One, athletes release physical stress and improve awareness. Two, athletes gain opportunities to stay connected with their bodies, in turn, reducing injury risks. This technique can help athletes of all ages stay engaged for longer training sessions.

Developing focus and awareness also helps athletes become more resilient.

Challenges like injuries, losses, or mistakes can be tough, even for the most committed players. But training the mind to have a growth mindset and see these problems as chances to learn instead of roadblocks helps athletes stay mentally strong and stay positive during training and competition.

In conclusion, staying present and aware is a powerful way for athletes to stay focused and calm during intense competition. By practicing techniques like breathing exercises and body scanning, athletes can improve performance, manage stress, and build resilience.

As sports continue to evolve, adding mental training to physical training can create not only stronger athletes but also healthier and happier individuals. Ultimately, strengthening both the body and mind helps athletes reach their highest potential. (2 of 10 series)

<Kenton Roh 페어몬트 아카데미 9학년>