How to Compete and Not Fail with Proper Preparation

Top athletes know how to compete and not fail because of the will to succeed demonstrated by proper preparation and actions. Competition is an opportunity to succeed, not an opportunity to fail; it is an opportunity to be aggressive and attacking, not a situation in which to be fearful and timid.

UCLA Basketball Coach John Wooden believed competitive greatness is the ability be at your best when it is needed. Athletes should enjoy the thrills, pressures, nerves and emotions of the competition.

You can only control certain factors in your competition and life; control the controllable. Rarely does everything go smoothly in a competition. There are always some bumps along the competitive road, but successful athletes know how to traverse this road.

Confidence isn’t something an athlete simply has; it is something an athlete earns through hard work, discipline, and preparation. As Indiana University basketball coach Bobby Knight used to say, “the will to succeed is important, but what’s more important is the will to prepare”.

Develop Pre-Competition Routines

A proper pre-competition routine is the first step to optimal performance (Cotterill, Sanders & Collins, 2010).

Establish a pre-competition routine that is followed before every competition

Use a warm-up routine – similar to daily warm up.

Tips During Competition

Stay focused and in control. Don’t get caught up in your competitors or the competition results; maintain an appropriate level of arousal (emotion). Stay positive and implement the plan of action. Be aware of the competition but focus on yourself.

Think of short, precise action phrases or cues to stay focused on the technical aspects of the event. The competition feedback should focus on a few key points, explained simply, usually under 10 seconds; do not be overanalytical in competition.

Pay attention to controllable factors and not what is out of your control. Think about one technical detail and positive outcomes if executed; eliminate negative thoughts.

• Focus on the one aspect of the technique or event

• Use imagery to reinforce the correct movements

• Reflect on successful competitions (positive experiences)

• Prepare for every detail (controllable and not controllable)