Playing Any Game With A Strong Finish

Does your kid fall apart after finishing a game of sports?

Athletes that have difficulty closing out games or finishing strong change their mindset mid-competition. At the beginning of the game, or until midway of the game their positive aggressive mindset gained him or his team the lead. Then he changed his mindset somewhere towards the closing of the game. “What if I lose,” “What if I miss the shot and get all the blame” or “What if I choke like I did the last game?” His mindset became negative and defensive. He feared what might happen and played trying not to lose. He switched his focus to how the game might finish, the final score rather than focusing on what needs to be done on the present moment.

A finishing strong mindset entering the game knowing what matters most is how you should finish.

Weather in life or in sports, when you choose to play for the win, you need to remember the following elements - freedom, barriers, purpose and the power of choice.

By freedom, I mean taking full control of the situation and act on it. A coach tells his players about the immediate task but nothing happens when nobody executes the shot for the win. Expedite all barriers and hindrances. Be specific with purposes and goals on why you chose to play.

Here are some tips you can ask your athlete child on finishing strong in any game or sports he engages in.

1. Tell him to ask himself- “What do I need to do to dictate the action on this play?” Just before the start of the play, use a key phrase that will keep you in a positive mindset, “Finish strong,” “Never quit” or “Be aggressive.” If you notice your mind drifting, repeat the key phrase to yourself with intensity and feeling and be sure you’re in the present time.
2. Now, if your child has a negative self-image of himself as an athlete that stifles confidence try helping him find the source. No matter how positive he tries to be, he will unable to shake the doubt that rushes into his head when he sizes up his competition. Have you heard him labeled himself as a loser, poor closer, or mediocre athlete and keep him stuck in a rut of self-pity and indecision?

You should be your child’s first source of motivation. Encourage them to be with winners, friends who can inspire them. Show them pictures of athletes, those who are relentless in their pursuit of winning.