Concentrating on the "little" things

All sports are now becoming more and more competitive even at the younger age groups; athletes and teams are often receiving better coaching, better facilities to train at, and most importantly are more motivated to perform at a higher level. So if athletes are training and competing at higher levels and becoming more committed to their sport, what do the champions do better than the “also ran’s”? Well to put it simply they take care of the little things better.

 

That statement is a little general so let me expand. How often have you heard professional athletes, when being interviewed at the end of a thrilling victory, comment that “we/I took care of the little things”? Well they are referring to the minor aspects of their performances or their team performance that well help better achieve success.

 

With all higher level athletes becoming more educated on sport nutrition, physical and mental conditioning, pre-competition preparation etc… it becomes obvious that to separate yourself from all other athletes you need to also dedicate time, and energy on some of the finer aspects of your performance, and hope that the other athletes neglected those areas.

 

Most athletes have areas of their performance that breakdown under pressure conditions, or bad habits that negatively impact their success. Well the over-achieving elite athletes do not have these weaknesses. They ensure that there training and preparation for competition all but guarantees (as there are no guarantees in sport) that their bad habits do not creep into their performances. They focus before, during, and after the competition on the little things that will make them better than their opponent.

 

Athletes that wish to obtain an elite level status need to fully understand what “little things” they need to focus on. Some may need extra time ensuring that there preparation is consistent and complete before competition, whereas others may need to remain more positive and relaxed in hope to get into their performance “zone”. Whatever “your little things” are (individual or team), do not ignore them, and take care of them.

Craig Dalrymple

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