Everyone is looking to improve hockey performance? To become hockey tough. you want to play like a boss. Skate like a beast. Score like a sniper. Or puck-stop like a wall.
But what about times when you’re practicing a ton (at least you feel like you are) but you’re not making the leaps you have in the past. It feels like a grind. It's frustrating. What’s going on? What’s keeping you from seeing more of your potential?
The first question I have is, what are you thinking about?
- Are you more focused on what’s not happening or what is happening?
- Do thoughts of mistakes, failures, or missed opportunities occupy more 0f your mind than your successes and progress
- Are you preoccupied with thoughts about how others see you or what they’re thinking about you?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, the roadblock you may be feeling could be a growing lack of confidence.
Confidence is ‘the strength of your belief that you can execute the right skill at the right time at an elite level.’ Confidence is the key to unlocking potential. Confidence is the building block for becoming hockey tough.
Here are just some of the outcomes to having high confidence and a positive self-image:
- You’ll see yourself more accurately. You can better gauge your strengths and weaknesses to create better training strategies.
- Negative comments bounce off you and don’t build into doubt.
- You’ll actually get healthier! (mentally and physically) … not kidding!
- Your goals mean more, and your drive to achieve them becomes more important.
- Everything seems more enjoyable. Adversity and setbacks seem less imposing and you’re able to adjust and keep moving forward.
So if this sounds like you, how can you build confidence and hockey toughness today?
Here’s the thing, like everything else, the players that have the experience or know the secrets, have the advantage.
Confidence builders in hockey are as important as tactics and techniques. Creating a coat of armor to protect you from naysayers and negative people will pay off in the long run.
Let confidence become part of your regular routine. Acknowledge the power that confidence has in your performance and enjoyment in hockey. Embrace it. Feed it.
That said, I highly encourage you to expand your hockey training and check out The Confident Player, one of the workbooks in the Complete Player series.
Do you want the inside scoop on confidence? This workbook is for you. Get a handle on what you’re thinking about and how these thoughts are either helping or hurting your game. Take what you learn in this book and build an action plan to skyrocket your level of confidence.
So, what are you waiting for?? Get on it.
Kevin L. Willis, PhD
Sport Psychologist
Level 5 USA Hockey Coach