Elimination Finals
Pony up or go home. Giving yourself the best chance.
March in Melbourne. Seasons are changing, on and off the field. Cricket holds its last breath, and Football looms. It's finals time; where did the season go? Where was the summer? My club, not literally, Geelong CC, hosts Northcote in an elimination final this weekend. We finished fifth, them eighth, it matters little. If we lose, the whiteboards and cones are buried till next time; win, and we move on, playing a loser of a top-four final. Finals can render coaches redundant; the playbook is worn, and where to next? So, when I fell across this paper while cleaning out Dropbox yesterday, I was relieved to find a different perspective. I wrote this in April 2018 after a conversation with my son's U.S. college lacrosse coach. It didn't see the light of day then—it was penned long-hand in a bar called Fibbers in Beverly, Massachusetts—so why not, now!
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Title: Giving Yourself the Best Chance
As a coach who has seen countless players rise to the challenge in pressure situations, I understand the importance of mental preparation and in-play resilience. The journey to excellence under pressure isn't isolated to physical skills; it's about cultivating a durable mindset and repeatable habits. For a young athlete striving to perform at their best in pressure situations (finals or playoffs), here are some crucial steps to take that will give you the best chance of succeeding.
First and foremost, embrace the pressure. Finals and playoffs are the moments that define champion players. This quote from Michael Jordan defines this mentality, "I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times, I've been trusted to take the game-winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed."
Rather than fearing these high-stakes situations, view them as opportunities to showcase your abilities and leave a lasting legacy. Understand that pressure is a privilege—it means you're in a position to compete and contribute at the highest level. Embracing this mindset shift can help you approach pressure situations confidently rather than apprehensively.
Preparation is key. In the words of the venerable John Wooden, "Failing to prepare is preparing to fail." Practice diligently, not just physically but mentally as well. Visualise yourself succeeding in pressure scenarios, rehearse your strategies and routines, and simulate game-like situations in training. The more familiar you become with pressure, the better equipped you'll handle it when the spotlight aims at you.
Muhammad Ali, the greatest of all time, said this about training and preparation: "I hated every minute of training, but I said, 'Don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion.
Maintain a routine. Consistency breeds confidence. Do not waiver and look for a quick fix. Establish pre-game routines that help you get into the optimum state. Whether it's a specific warm-up routine, listening to music, or engaging in visualisation exercises, find what works for you and stick to it. Routines provide a sense of familiarity and control.
Embrace mindfulness. In high-pressure situations, it's easy to get caught up in the enormity of the moment. Stay present-focused and avoid dwelling on previous mistakes (like Michael Jordan) or worrying about future outcomes. Mindfulness techniques such as regulating your breath, meditation, or progressive muscle relaxation can help settle your nerves and keep your mind razor-sharp and crystal clear.
Cultivate mental toughness. The ability to stay composed and resilient in the face of adversity is a skill that will serve you well. Understand that setbacks and challenges are inevitable, but how you respond to them matters most. Nurture a growth mindset, viewing failures as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable obstacles. Trust your abilities and stay resilient, even when the odds seem stacked against you and your team.
Seek support; pay attention to it. Surround yourself with coaches, teammates, and mentors who believe in you and your abilities. Lean on them for guidance, encouragement, and perspective when the pressure mounts. Remember, you're not alone—the team is there to bridge that gap and ultimately help you succeed.
We've been here before—Geelong CC—so to borrow a quote from Tom Brady, "I didn't come this far, only to come this far, so we can't just stop here." This emphasises the importance of perseverance and focusing on long-term goals, even in adversity. It speaks to the relentless drive and determination required to succeed at the highest level.
Finally, trust the process. Success in pressure situations takes time to happen. It culminates years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice. Stay patient and trust in the journey, knowing that each experience—win or lose—is an opportunity for growth and development. Stay hungry, stay humble, and never stop striving for greatness.
In conclusion, giving yourself the best chance of performing excellently in pressure situations requires mental preparation, resilience, and support. Embrace the pressure, prepare diligently, maintain routines, practice mindfulness, develop mental toughness, and seek support and trust. By following these steps, young athletes can position themselves for success when the stakes are highest. As I've seen repeatedly, champions are made not just on the field but also in the mindset they bring to the game.
Nick
Summary:
The essay emphasises the importance of mental preparation, resilience, and support for young athletes aiming to excel in pressure situations like finals or playoffs. It encourages embracing pressure as an opportunity, preparing diligently both mentally and physically, maintaining routines, practicing mindfulness, cultivating mental toughness, seeking support, and trusting the process. Through anecdotes and quotes from sports legends like Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Tom Brady, the essay underscores the significance of perseverance, growth mindset, and determination in achieving success.
Bullet Points:
- Embrace pressure as an opportunity to showcase abilities and leave a lasting legacy.
- Prepare diligently both mentally and physically, visualising success and maintaining routines.
- Practice mindfulness to stay present-focused and avoid dwelling on past mistakes or worrying about future outcomes.
- Cultivate mental toughness by viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and growth.
- Seek support from coaches, teammates, and mentors, leveraging their guidance and encouragement.
- Trust the process, recognising that success in pressure situations requires patience and relentless determination.
Perfect timing as a big day looms for your group today Nick. I’m sure the message has been delivered to them all. An unlikely hero may rise, but let’s hope one or more of the established will take the mantle. Well done again and thanks again.