Mind Games

Published: 22 Jan 2006 - 12:45 by raystrach

Updated: 26 Jan 2006 - 17:07

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Without doubt, the biggest challenge I have faced in my comeback so far has been to gain the confience required to play at my desired level. I have always been a player that depends on high amounts of confidence to achieve my goals.

Not being a Squash "natural'", I have had to work hard to achieve the limited success that I have had so far. Now that I am more physically limited, (slower reaction times, less fitness etc)it has been difficult to generate the confidence needed to make the correct decisions quickly. At present, I tend to go for the wrong shot at the wrong time and I am not anywhre near as patient as I need to be.

I have reached the stage where I am capable of playing really well at times, but fail to capitalise on it with a consistent performance.

Being a light physical day, I have been using the affirmations to make some progress. At the moment I am not sure whether I should be concentrating on a wholistic or segmental approach to my Squash. Looking back over the last few months where I have had some good performances and some bad ones, it is where I am playing very quick opponents that I am struggling.

So this is my approach for the next week or two (apart from my physical training):

Continue with affirmations concentrating on watching the ball and improved strategy and patience
In practice games, concentrate on my old strategy of hitting deep then attacking when a loose one arrives
In my competition games focus on my between rally actions(cue words, ordered thoughts and actions)

I will report on its efficacy in days to come.

Morning and Afternoon Walks
Got some unexpected strength work when the dog decided it wanted to attack another walking dog!

Light exercises
Knee strengthening, core crunches, Core stretch