The stress of competing and winning might adversely affect an athlete's performance. Thus, the need for techniques that an athlete can use in the competitive situation to maintain control and optimize his/her performance.

The 4 C's required in an athlete's armoury to gain the winning edge are:
Concentration - ability to maintain focus
Confidence - believe in one's abilities
Control - ability to maintain emotional control regardless of distraction
Commitment - ability to continue working to agreed goals
Different techniques have evolved in achieving tailormade goals amongst athletes globally. Relaxation, Mental Imagery and Centering can help achieve the 4Cs.

CONCENTRATION

This is the mental quality to focus on the task in hand.

• Sustained concentration - distance running, cycling, tennis, squash
• Short bursts of concentration - cricket, golf, shooting, athletic field events
• Intense concentration - sprinting events

Strategies to improve concentration would consist of avoid listed distractions, goal setting and develop a routine for competition – pre tournament, tournament and post tournament.

Confidence

Building self confidence would involve realistic goal setting, mental imagery and reinforcement of past success. Easier said than done, this is an integral part of an individual's winning edge performance.

Control

An athlete's ability to maintain control of their emotions in the face of adversity and remain positive is essential to successful performance. Two emotions that are often associated with poor performance are anxiety and anger. We would make various Relaxation techniques an integral part of the athlete's personality such that he is better equipped to deal with such emotions and maintain top performance.

Commitment

Athletes have many aspects of daily life to manage. The many competing interests and commitments include work, studies, family/partner, friends, social life and other hobbies/sports.
The objective would be to integrate all important members of the athlete's interest (parents, friends, etc) as a support system towards achieving his/her goals.

GAIN THE WINNING EDGE
PSYCHOLOGY SESSIONS FOR :

INDIVIDUALS - CONCENTRATION BUILDING, STRESS MANAGEMENT, SELF CONFIDENCE