Confidence and Your Mental Game
Would you characterize yourself as a confident hockey player? Are you able to execute players well even when playing in big games? Can your teammates rely on your play when the game is on the line?
“Playing your game” requires that you believe in your abilities and have the confidence to perform under pressure.
Confidence is an important ingredient for success in any sport but, in a fast-paced sport like hockey, you need a high level of confidence to play your best.
Hockey players must rely on their instincts, reflexes and quick decision-making. Low confidence causes you to second-guess yourself.
I’m sure you can recall times when you lacked confidence and were tentative on the ice leading to forced passes, slow reflexes, or hesitating going for a loose puck.
Frederik Andersen, 24, is a rookie goaltender for the Anaheim Ducks. Andersen plays with the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran compiling a record of 20-5, a 2.29 GAA and a .923 save percentage during the regular season.
Andersen earned the start for Game 1 against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference quarterfinal.
How did Andersen respond to the pressure of starting in his first NHL playoff game?
Andersen’s confident play, stopping 32 shots, helped lead the Ducks to a 4-3 victory over the Stars.
Anderson remained confident even as the Stars scored three straight goals in their attempt for a comeback victory, “You can’t let nervousness get to you. You’re [in trouble] when you do that.”
Andersen came up big in the closing minutes making two huge saves as the Stars opted to pull their goaltender.
Andersen pointed to his commitment to daily improvement as the key to his poise and confidence:
“In the summer you work toward earning a spot, and when you’re in a spot you want to take the next step and stay. When you get up here on a daily basis you want to push yourself … everything is steps.”
Teammate Teemu Selanne is impressed with Andersen’s ability to handle pressure, “He’s so calm. Even when there are big games, his body language doesn’t change. That’s a good sign because the pressure, most of the times, is your enemy if you have some. If you can’t handle the pressure in the big games, that’s going to be a problem.”
Tips to Improve your Confidence
- You must be able to rebound quickly from mistakes and not allow mistakes to turn into doubt. Let go of the last play and focus in the present.
- Work hard to sharpen your skills in practice and be committed to find ways to improve each day.
- Look and act confident. Your body language sends a message to your opponents as well as yourself. Show your opponents you are ready for any challenge.
Be a poised hockey player by being responsible for your level of confidence and working on your mental game.
Successful hockey players have learned how to perform with superior confidence on the ice.
We’ve created The Confident Athlete, Workbook and CD program to help you do this.
Related Articles on Hockey Mental Game:
- How to Create a Winning Mindset for Hockey
- How to Not Panic During Hockey Games
- How to Manage Momentum Shifts During Games
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Mental Coaching Programs for Hockey
Our mental game coaching programs for hockey players helps athletes improve confidence, concentration, let go of errors quickly, and stay composed during crunch-time. Read more about sports psychology for hockey players at Peaksports.com
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