3.3 Preparation For Conpetition

Pre - competition strategies Competition strategies Coping strategies Debriefing

Rest Diet Equipment check Spare time Travel Mental preparation

Arrival time Who to report to Physical preparation Mental preparation Dressing for contest Team meeting/ individual discussion with the coach Who to spend time with Final personal preparation

Competition strategies provided each athlete with enough information/ direction to fill the time of competition. They give the athlete direction they need to maximise their performance, maintain concentration and meet situational challenges

Pre comp strategies cover all the actions and events leading up to the competition to ensure athletes are at peak of physical and mental condition at the time of competition divided into two aspects: Prior to arriving at comp At comp venue

Your personal: teams game plan Key statistics Monitoring key performance indicators and task relevant factors

turnovers Are indicative of successful performance which ultimately defines every athlete or team. The indicators are analysed by coaches and athletes and these can be measure performance #wins % successful plays completed

These are the fundamentals of mental preparation for competition need to be carried into the contest. TRF enhance mental rehearsal and visualisation by identifying those technique/ performance components which are essential for quality performance. During comp they serve to reinforce the technique and or effort required especially during times of fatigue, anxiety, boredom and or loss of concentration

Many words convert more than their meaning they also hold a quality of movement and or effort. During comp mood or cue words can provide the impetus for renewed and or max effort especially during times of fatigue and or times of necessary massive exertion

Coping strategies can be thought of as a secondary plan or behaviour which is in place for each primary or preferred behaviour should it fail or be inappropriate Any team or athlete placed in comp without any backup is one under tremendous pressure.

Students need a general understanding of the term. “What if’s” and how they relate to coping strategies.

Managing pain or physical discomfort Coping with hostile crowds All great athletes have developed their ability to focus in adverse conditions. Bring your thoughts back to KPIs/ TRF and using mood/cue words can help athletes focus back on their game Discuss scenarios

De briefing is a process of review of performance which should highlight both positives and negative’s and all factors which influence the performance

As soon after performance as possible Identify performance factors which were omitted Identify positive and negative aspects of performance Involve the athlete Remember debriefing should include all strategies pre comp, comp, coping and previous debrief sessions