Why do athletes with strong powers of concentration become distracted? First, no one is perfect. Even the best athletes in the world become distracted at times. Second, distractions or disruptions to the flow of play are a natural part of many sports. Concentration or focus is the ability to fully immerse yourself in the present moment, and stay focused on the task during distractions.
Most athletes can concentrate well, but their focus becomes displaced on the wrong cues, or they think about a previous or future play, shot, or routine. This is when athletes need to refocus. It is important that you help your athletes refocus when distracted to get back on task, and focus in the moment. Help your athletes develop a plan for refocusing and coping with distractions they encounter during competition.
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