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SUNDAY 14 FEBRUARY, 2010 | 
Preparing for the Playoffs: What Players, Coaches, and Parents Can Do to Maximize Playoff Success
by Steffany Hanlen |
by Steffany Hanlen, founder of Quantum Speed and professional performance and skating coach.
In my last article, I reminded you that successful playoff teams stick with what worked during the regular season, and just do it better and stronger.
In today's article, I want to share what players, coaches, and parents can do individually to contribute to playoff success as a team.
1. Players
First things first, players, be mentally tough. Focus on the things you can control -- eating right, getting enough rest, staying positive, sticking with your routine, and being well-organized before the game. Don't worry about things you can't control -- like winning or what other teams are doing. You're just wasting time and energy.
Stop framing games in terms of "we HAVE to win" or "I want to beat these guys." That sets you up for a 50/50 chance at losing. Instead, focus on what you can control and what you personally need to do. That sets you up for a 50/50 chance at winning.
To aid in this process, choose action words that you can repeat over and over: STRONG, CALM, and FOCUSED. If you get nervous, don't try to push the fear down. Instead, use it to focus your thoughts. I always tell my athletes, "Put those butterflies in formation and use the fear as fuel to focus on what's going on -- right here, right now!"
Finally, do your job. Finish each shift strong. Stay in the moment. Take full responsibility for your environment, energy, equipment, words and actions. Remember the acronym W.I.N. -- "What's Important Now!"
2. Coaches
Create a theme for the playoffs that your team can rally around. This is something you might see national or pro teams doing -- and it works. Play for something bigger than the win; work together to come up with a mantra or an inspirational line that everyone can believe in. When players have a bigger purpose, it brings them together faster, and leads to greater success.
3. Parents
More than anyone else, you're the key to your player's mental capacity. So my biggest advice to you is this:
Remember...it's NOT about you.
Early in my NHL career, I was on the ice with a Pro team. I asked if they ever remembered their parents screaming in the stands when they were playing minor hockey. All but one said NO. The one who said yes was a player whose father would stand directly behind the opposing goaltender and scream obscenities. This embarrassed him so much, he almost quit the game he loved.
The lesson for you? Be supportive -- and in many cases, that means letting go. If they need advice, they'll ask you...and when they do, help them find their own answers. Try questions like, "What do you think?" Give them space to become what they need to become.
Playoffs are a test of preparation and a bonus to be enjoyed. Working together, players, coaches, and parents can share an experience that builds memories and values. So enjoy the journey and have fun!
Steffany Hanlen worked with the Edmonton Oilers from 1991-2000 and the St Louis Blues 2000-2005. In 2006 she was at the Winter Olympic Games as a fully accredited coach for our 5 time Canadian Champion Ice Dancers, Dubreuil/Lauzon. Hanlen is the creator of Quantum Speed High Performance Skating Systems and presents Performance Excellence Seminars across North America for Quantum Speed and also to Champion Athletes, successful business owners and entrepreneurs as well as parents, players and coaches in many sports.
For more information on Quantum Speed please visit www.quantumspeed.ca or call 780-489-4159
News for Saturday 13 February, 2010
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