MENTAL EDGE NEWS

It is often stated that being a goaltender is the toughest position in all of sport. Although I'm bias, I would have to agree, but I would also include one side note. The role of a back-up goaltender reveals additional challenges that often go unnoticed and rarely are discussed. I'd like to take this opportunity to discuss a couple of key mental skills that if executed can enhance your experience and likelihood of success if you find yourself in a back-up role this season.

First it is important to note that when you discover that you may be asked to play a more supportive role that your mission does not change. Your job is to continue to develop your skills with great effort in practice and training. Take the time to discuss with your coach what they would like to see you work on and the type of improvement they would need to see that would earn you more playing time. Take the comments seriously and begin the process of working on them. By establishing and reinforcing this mindset, you then set yourself up for the opportunity for success in the more specific areas below.

Athletes who demonstrate mental toughness often exhibit one specific skill that is especially relevant to back-ups. That skill is Emotional Flexibility. Being emotionally flexible means you are capable of adapting to the ever-changing circumstances around your role and playing time; all the while, maintaining a whole hearted effort and buy-in. Think of emotional flexibility as racing through a human maze. You run with effort and intensity into every wrong turn and dead end until you find your way and reach the finish line. A back-up must be prepared for each opportunity to play even if the chance of playing is minimal or nonexistent. Resist the urge to stop caring or working hard because each time you end up not playing you become upset or disheartened. If you give in to this urge you set yourself up for failure.

Secondly, a back-up must find a way to be an asset to your team, and there are many ways to accomplish this. You can help your team by always competing in practice. In games be talkative on the bench or sidelines encouraging players or calling out options or dangers they may not see. Set the example in the locker room for other players on how to conduct themselves and be committed. The opportunities to benefit your team are everywhere, make sure you are doing your part to help the team effort.

The final skill can be summed up by a great statement I utilized at times in my career that I found both motivating and relevant, "I will prepare and my chance will come". It is impossible to predict the events of a season. Coaches can make poor choices on who should start. Players get injured or go through slumps. Perhaps the team may need to shake things up to head in a new direction. Maybe you've made great improvements during the season. Regardless of the inevitable adversity each team will face throughout the season, it is in your best interest to prepare yourself to play. Day in and day out.

Finally, and I can't emphasis this point enough, you must be able to step back and see your future outside the immediate season. Too often frustration and disappointment sets in because a back-up is so focused on the immediate present that they feel despair and eventually give up. I've witnessed many athletes throw away portions of their season because they are unhappy or are not contributing in the way they had hoped.
By taking a step back and looking at your current situation as a segment of your entire career you should quickly realize that any moment spent sulking or going through the motions at practice is hurting your chances of become the best athlete you can in your career. Consider your back-up role as a lesson, one that if you choose to accept with humility and hunger will make you all the more a well-rounded starter in the future.

Justin

For more information on this topic or to schedule a complimentary 30-minute telephone consultation with Justin, please call Dawn today at 763 439 5246.