Improving Confidence Through Focus
What skills do you focus on in your hockey game?
Many players will focus on the major aspects of the game such as a powerful slap shot, blazing speed or bulking up.
While these skills are necessary, peak performance requires just a little more… doing the little things right.
In reality, focusing on the little things can be the difference maker and provide the biggest impact come game time.
The Little Things Include Aspects Such as:
- Focusing on your defense rather than just your offensive stats
- Developing a strong mental game
- Being fully prepared, mentally and physically for each game
- Looking to make the great pass instead of forcing a shot
- Being in the right position
- Not over-handling the puck
- Keeping your stick on the ice
- Working hard in practice rather than just going through the motions
- Keeping your head up
- Winning the loose puck battles
- Never giving up on a play
- Bouncing back after a bad shift
- Giving 100% effort
- Being a good teammate
Any hockey player can focus on the little things. You don’t have to be the most physically imposing player, or the faster player on the ice or the most talented player on the team.
It’s the little things that add up to big improvement in your game and can give you and your team the edge you are looking for.
The Carolina Hurricanes played inconsistently over the first couple of months of season.
The Hurricanes have high hopes of making the playoffs for the first time since 2009 but seem to slip backwards after taking a step forward.
Carolina’s play has nothing to do with talent but their failure to consistently do the little things that contribute to overall success.
The Hurricanes started putting things together towards the end of December winning seven of nine games.
Carolina right winger Sebastian Aho feels the team has regained their confidence by working on the little things.
AHO: “I think we have a good confidence right now and we just have to keep it going. I think we’re doing all the little things and are comfortable as a team.”
Carolina center Derek Ryan believes the combination of doing the little things have provided a big impact on the team’s recent success.
RYAN: “It’s been a lot of little things adding up to the victories in the end, executing on the game plan, specialty teams being better. Our power play hasn’t scored a ton but has been generating chances. Our penalty kill has been phenomenal. I think five-on-five we’ve dominated a lot of teams and really good teams. I can’t put one thing on it. But the recipe’s working.”
By focusing on the little things, you can build confidence, greatly impact your game and gain an edge over your opponents.
It’s the little things over time that make the biggest impact on your overall game.
Focusing on The Little Things:
Start a practice log. Before each practice create two objectives for the session.
Think of one of the little things that can elevate your game.
How will you work towards this goal? What do you need to focus on to help you reach your objectives, such as more intensity, focus, or composure?
Don’t allow the little things become an afterthought in your training… Move those things higher on the priority list!
Related Articles on Hockey Mental Game:
- Improve Your Hockey Skills with Smart Practice
- Your Mindset and Finishing Hockey Games
- Tips for Positive Practice Habits in Hockey
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on iTunes
*Subscribe to The Sports Psychology Podcast on Spotify
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
Please contact me by phone at 888-742-7225 or by filling out the webform below to learn more about our personal mental training programs for hockey players or teams:
Leave a Reply