While all the fans were out partying during the FIFA Soccer World Cup, the teams had to stay focused for their next game . One of the hardest parts of a multi-competition event is the challenge of staying mentally and physically sharp and focused. Here are five tips to help your child stay focused the next time he has multiple games or races on his schedule.
Five Tips To Help Your Child Stay Focused.
Keep The Celebrating Brief
You and your child can be thrilled with each win of the event, but the ultimate goal isn’t accomplished until the final match has been played. It’s important to acknowledge the success and use it as positive momentum for the next game, but don’t dwell on it and become lackadaisical. In the midst of celebrating it is easy to cut a cool down short or forget to re-hydrate; these mistakes could be costly during the next competition.
Get Healthy
If your child has a nagging injury or soreness from his previous competition he needs to address it immediately after the competition. Whether it be taping his ankle, seeing his chiropractor, getting a massage, stretching or icing down his sore muscles, he needs to address his physical condition promptly.
- He won’t always feel one hundred percent for his next game; he’ll likely feel some fatigue from his previous competitions, but staying on top of his physical condition will help him feel as close to it as possible.
Asses His Next Opponent
- The first thing your child needs to do after a victory in a tournament is get mentally ready for what comes next. He needs to know when his next competition is and who he is competing against.
This is the time for him, his team and coach to asses the new opponent and learn his or her strengths and weaknesses. Not every opponent is the same and your child may need to change his strategy for the new opponent.
Keep A Routine
Throughout your child’s competitions you want to encourage him to be a little self absorbed. While he should enjoy the friends and family who are there to support him, it isn’t the time for him to be accommodating everyone else’s schedule.
- He needs to get plenty of rest; that means going to bed at a reasonable hour and getting naps if at all possible.
- He should eat familiar and healthy meals; during a tournament isn’t the time for him to try Thai for the first time or to be eating a lot of greasy fast food.
- Your child shouldn’t feel obligated to play host to his family and friends. He need to be at his practices and team meetings prepared and on time.
Enjoy The Festivities With Care
Some Competitions may be a once in a life time opportunity and I encourage your child to enjoy it as long as it doesn’t interfere with or sacrifice his preparation for his next competition.
At the 2000 Olympic Games I was strongly discouraged from participating in the Opening Ceremonies because I competed just two days later. I knew another athlete who had been discouraged from participating in the 1996 Opening Ceremonies. He had figured he’d just do it at his next Olympics, but he didn’t make the team four years later. He never got a chance to experience Opening Ceremonies and he really regretted it. So, in 2000, despite intense pressure not to, I decided to go. I took some precautions to make sure the experience wasn’t too taxing; I sat down as much as possible, even on the field during the ceremony, I ditched the official shoes high heals and wore comfy tennis shoes instead, I made sure I stayed hydrated and I went to bed immediately following the ceremonies. Opening Ceremonies was a phenomenal experience and I have no regrets in my decision, and in case your wondering, I had a personal best two days later. I was so pumped up from the Ceremonies that it helped motivate and focus me.
- Your child is there to compete, and win, and that should be his main priority, but despite what some people say, sometimes there is a lot more to a competition than just winning!
These five tips will help your child stay focused on the ultimate goal. .
