In the previous issue of techniques (Volume 5, Number 4, May 2012) we provided "Teaching Track and Field Athletes the Skill of Focus: Part 1- The Plan." In that article we laid the foundational understanding that focus is a fundamental sport skill. And, like all skills, the skill of focus can be both taught and learned. We identified that, in fact, there are five specific individual skills that comprise the skill set of focus. These five skills include: - Time Orientation - Be in the present! Right here! Right now! - Positive Self Talk - Positive affirmations - Composure - Attain optimal arousal- not too high, not too low, just right - Concentration - Find what matters! Stay focused on it! - Confidence - It`s a choice! We also provided the cornerstone understanding that we all understand that wrong thoughts hurt an athlete`s sport performance. Conversely, if wrong thoughts hurt performance, right thoughts help the athlete`s performance. And, to recognize that when there is a wrong thought, all you have to do is pick a right thought, and the wrong thought is gone. Thinking right is a skill. We must teach and learn the sill of thinking right! Being focused is the perfect example of thinking right. In fact, it is the ultimate in thinking right! Every coach wants their athletes to show up on the day of competition totally focused and intending to deliver their very best performance! Focus is just another skill! Track & field coaches are great teachers of skills! That`s what we do! So now, let`s outline a plan for how coaches can teach their track & field athletes the skill of focus! In this discussion, the author will be sharing how to apply the models and ideas presented in part 1.
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