Heading into a hockey training camp can be one of two things: an exciting opportunity or a very stressful experience. Often, it comes down to perspective and being able to manage the distractions that can cause stress reactions. Training camps, by their nature, can be stressful. It is the process hockey teams use to select their players for the upcoming season. It is also where uncertainty, assumptions, and expectations run high. As a player or coach, being able to be present in the moment, and make conscious, confident decisions are essential to performing at your best. Awareness of your thoughts and understanding their effects on your performance are key elements to having a great camp.
Let’s take look at this equation that explains performance:
Performance = Potential – Interference
Performance is how well we do, at whatever role we are engaged in. Potential is being in a mindful state of being, that allows us access to all the skills and talents we currently embody. Interference comes in the form of stress reactions. When we are under stress reaction, we create what we call horizontal thinking (past or future). This type of thinking distracts us and takes us out of the present moment (in part or fully) and will negatively affect how we perform.
The following are six main areas where you may experience distractions and/or stress, and questions to ask yourself:
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See Also
- Eight Benefits of Practising Mindfulness in Hockey!
- Dallas Eakins – My Coaching Journey
- Jay Woodcroft – Conversations with the Best in the Business
Walter Aguilar
Walter Aguilar – is a Certified Professional Coach and COR.E Performance Dynamics Specialist. Using the mind/energy connection to performance, he teaches a unique approach to peak performance. He specializes in teaching mindfulness for hockey using the COR.E Performance Dynamics energy leadership system. This is based on the 7 levels of energy that thoughts create. These affect awareness, confidence, engagement, creativity and intuition. His equation of Performance = Potential – Interference, provides a framework for success in hockey and life.
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